MeAndering the Camino

Sarria, as I believe I mentioned yesterday, is a big hub for Camino. Walking just the distance from Sarria to Santiago, one can achieve the compostela. That a distance of about 110 km. The books ai read in preparation and the social media, all made note that the influx of people after Sarria was great. Still, I managed to have some quiet times, but rarely kore than 10-15 minutes. The part I really noticed however was jot the additional people, it was the loss of the “community” “Buen Camino” meaning “have a good walk” is a standard greeting along the route and prior to today, I cant recall passing or being passed without hearing those words! at times it inspired me to keep going, lifted my spirits and made me feel I was not out there alone, especially when I had not seen another sole in an hour! Not only other pilgrims but also locals, shop keepers, cafe staff shared the greeting. Physically, one could also distinguish the first day walkers! This made me chuckle a few times. Their very clean new shoes and constant chatter along with their pace, confirmed my theory of who had just started. Knees, hips and feet havent begun aching. The determination of “two more towns, 8 more km to the albergue!” Talking with a few “dusty old timers” everyone acknowledged that its no longer a smart idea to check yourself about noon and determine how much further to go. One needs to book in advance. This afternoon I booked the rest of the week as I quickly discovered many places are full already!

After almost 3 hours walking this morning, at 10:09am local, I gave a big hug to the 100km marker! (See photo above) and a short while later, got my stamp for same! The goal is truly “in sight”

Despite the almost vertical beginning today, most of the walking was small rolling hills through forest and farmland. Many of the farms are marked by the stone walls that have been around for ages. Although these are prevalent in England and other places, they always remind me of Massachusetts. My family moved to the Boston area in January of my 4th grade year. I remember being fascinated by the stone walls there and they always make me smile and feel nostalgic when I see them. Here in Spain, they also mark the borders of land owned by the church. In Samos yesterday, walls of a certain height marked the land of the Monastery and the tenants paid taxes to the monastery. I didnt notice much difference but apparently they differ! LOL!

The day was great weather wise. Cloudy almost the entire day but no discernible rain meant a pleasant environment to walk and observe what was close. Mostly livestock fields and some rolling hills and forests. Just to keep things interesting, one forested area had a bagpiper.

Already I have begun my reminiscing about the last few weeks. Hopefully, it wont get to be too sappy! As I climbed the stairs into Portomarin, I looked back at the very low reservoir, so low that the old Roman bridge and roads could be seen, and thought about the excitement I had for these bridges a couple weeks ago and that realize it hasnt deteriorated, even though it seems “ages” ago!