Camino de Santiago (7th day)

Sunny but brrrr…

Today started with a beautiful sunrise and it was the first day without rain today! So thankful for the blue skies. However, it was a brisk 39 degrees as we started out and only warmed to the mid 50’s throughout the day. Today’s journey was about 14.5 miles from Sarria to Portomarin. I’ll start with a fun video of the cattle being moved to a new pasture right as we walked up on the trail. My other favorite was this border collie just hanging out on a very tall wall watching us pilgrims go by. I miss my Lily!

Beautiful flowers, vegetation, and even a lemon tree!

The trail today…

Was a little less muddy but definitely more crowded with pilgrims. Many pick up the trail starting in Sarria to Santiago hence the crowds. We crossed the threshold midway through the day where we have 100 km to go! Counting them down!

Along the trail

We stopped for lunch at a beautiful spot that afforded great countryside views. This is their version of a quesadilla which is like a pie with potatoes and eggs. It is pretty bland but a safe bet. We ran into some festive groups today enjoying their togetherness.

Arriving in Portomarin

The walk into Portomarin was beautiful with the rolling hills and as the lake came into view. The trail became a bit treacherous and then once over the bridge you must climb several steep steps to reach the actual town. It originally flooded so the town was moved to higher ground.

Meeting folks along the way

We have met some nice people along the journey…some we call by name and others we only know from seeing each other almost daily on the trail. I have been most surprised that we haven’t seen more pilgrims from the USA. Below are Greg and Wendy from Perth, Australia that started with us in Ponferrada. Very kind folks and we have seen them daily.

Portomarin

After dinner, we walked around town. We wanted to see inside the Chapel of La Virgen de las Nieves and quickly discovered there was a Catholic Mass service underway. We took a seat and it was so touching to hear the ending prayer which was a blessing for protection for the Santiago pilgrims. What a beautiful chapel and way to end the day.