Triacastela to Sarria

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Through the forest and fields to Sarria    Walking Day #26

Today we make our way through forest with a couple of difficult but short climbs, and through rolling farmland to Sarria. Sarria is 110 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela. If you walk at least 100 kilometers to Santiago, you get a "Compostela," the certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago. So, many people with limited time start their Camino in Sarria to get just over 100 kilometers, qualifying them for the Compostela. For everyone, starting at Sarria or before, it is important to get at least two stamps per day to give better proof that you walked (as opposed to taking a taxi or bus between towns). It is a good thing I have a second pilgrim's credential, because I will fill up a good bit of the second credential by the time I get to Santiago and then proceed on to Finisterre.

The walk today was not difficult,and the weather cooperated nicely. It was cool and foggy in the morning, and not warm and sunny until after arriving in Sarria.

While a little outside the town of Triacastela, the path splits. The more "green" path (less roadway, more natural pathways) which goes to the monastery at Samos and is 19.73 kilometers goes to the left, and the more direct route through San Xil at 12.53 kilometers. It is unclear why the painted green arrow is on the left way marker monument - the more "green" route is to the left. I took the right, shorter route through San Xil. The "green" route will be far more muddy and includes two additional hills that appear steep and long from the guidebook. I'd like to get to Sarria for a bit of a rest this afternoon. 

And just a little further, it was clear that I was on the correct path to San Xil.

This was a really nice walk. It was cool and foggy, and for much of the walk we were again by a small river, flowing fast and loud after all the recent rain. The sound was very nice with birds chirping as well.

Part of this path was very steep and basically the creek flowing down the Camino pathway. You really need to be cautious and slow down here because the possibility of slipping and falling is high. 

On a dryer section a little higher, you can see the fog and the resulting feeling is one of being solitary, even though there are many people walking today. I did not get pictures, but I met Cathy and David from Santa Cruz, and later David's daughter Susan. We all walked part of the time together, and later I saw them again with Meagan from Seattle (whose birthday is today) in the town of Sarria exploring as I was. [It is a holiday in Galicia, and everything except for restaurants is closed today.]

At this wall close to Sarria, there is no question about which way to go. An old painted sign under a newer "official" sign.

The pathway by the road as we approach Sarria. This is a good path, and not at all muddy, although it is not gravel or rock.

One of the Camino way markers in the sidewalk as we are on the outskirts of Sarria.

I found my hotel (right on the Camino path), checked in, got a shower, and when I went out to explore a little, I found Nancy and Beth sitting in the sun. Being "northerners" from Prince Edward Island, Canada, they were loving the warm, sunny weather.

One of the two major churches in Sarria. This one was locked, so I could not go inside.

The other of the two major churches in Sarria. I did go inside, and have a few pictures coming up. I also got a stamp in my credential at this church.

By the church, over looking most of the city of Sarria was this monument to the crucifixion.

Mike and Jade from Bakersfield took my picture by this mosaic of the Sarria town crest.

Mike and Jade have been traveling and hiking around the world. They spend a month in India, hiked in northern Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, and have been in Europe for what I recall as having been a month before they started walking the Camino de Santiago.  Very nice people, getting a lot of worldly experience.

Inside the major church of Sarria, the Church of Santa Maria, at the main alter.

To the left of the main alter is this prayer/worship area.

And to the right is this prayer/worship area.

I met Nancy and Beth for dinner at a highly-recommended pizza place. This would be our last time together after we have spent much of the past 10 days or so together off and on. They are taking a rest day here in Sarria, and I am moving on. Bill from Wisconsin joined us. I first met Bill in Burgos, and he is currently walking slowly .with Rita from Switzerland 

This is Rita from Switzerland. She is a little famous on the Camino. Today is her 99th day walking from her home in Switzerland, through France, to Saint Jean Pied de Port, and all along the Camino Frances. And she is just about the friendliest person on the Camino. She is walking slower because of problems with one foot. She expects to get to Santiago in eight days. I will be to Santiago, to Finisterre and then back to Santiago in eight days; I hope to see her there again.

It was another very good day on the Camino de Santiago. Good, cool weather, a good path, and good Camino friends.

Next: On to Santiago, via Portomarín