Day 26
The communal dinner last night was in a thatched-roof round building specially designed by the owners for the purpose. Dinner was delicious and served family-style. There was a vegetarian option offered as well. After dessert, local (Gaelic) music was cranked for traditional dancing and the introverts I was sitting next to (and I) wanted to sneak out. We did so after the first tune ended. Still, lovely, festive vibe.
No alarm this morning. I was in the albergue dorm and folks generally started stirring about 6 AM. I got my stuff gathered and went to the lounge area to organize my stuff in the light. Yunus was up and kindly offered to wait for me to finish getting ready. Then we headed out to walk for several kms downhill to Triacastella. We walked before dawn in moon shadows from the full moon, saw the sun come up over the mountains, the fog / mist roll in to the valley, stopped for photos at the 800 year old ‘Tree of Life’, and I found and showed him the ancient carving I’d noticed on my first Camino. We stopped for coffee three different times. Great conversation and walk.
Then my friend and I said farewell as he was heading off to Samos and I wanted to go the other way through Abalsa.
The fog / mist stayed with me most of the 28 km today to Sarria. It provided an excellent, cool barrier from the heat of the sun. And it wasn’t just an overcast grey above. The fog / mist could be seen wafting across the fields and paths like one was walking in the midst of the clouds.
I arrived at A Pedra, in Sarria, about 3 pm and was greeted by Jose, the host. He’s one of the founders of Hospitaleros Sin Fronteras, who do really great work in Africa.
http://hospitalerossinfronteras.org/
After getting checked into my room, taking a long, hot bath (always pack a universal tub plug!), and doing my laundry – I walked to the nearest grocery store (about a km away) and got my dinner. A massive slice of watermelon, hard cheese to go with crackers I already had, and mineral water. Ate in the backyard garden of the A Pedra property. Perfect ending to a great day. Will try to get an early night.
More later…
If you’d like more information about my walk for charity:water, please follow this link. Thank you!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water
Sounds like a great day yesterday. The tree of life is special. Love the picture of the cow in the mist – that’s a keeper! Universal bath plug is just smart. GB start delayed this morning as high winds threaten accidents with falling tree branches! All gathered last evening and the sight looks great. Highlight today is MJ at the rising and in concert. Walk well.
Happy (& safe!) Greenbelt! Will miss seeing you and the gang there – but perhaps another year.
For anyone reading this who doesn’t know Greenbelt – I’ll enclose a link. It’s other-worldly and takes conscientious art to a new level. 💕
https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/