Sarria to Portomarin

Today started the last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago and there seem to be hordes of people.  I am trying not to be grumpy about my loss of solitude.  After all, they deserve to have what ever Camino experience they are looking for.  And they certainly started with a bang.  Cold, wet and rainy. The Camino Ways book said today was 12.4 miles and it was 17.1 (39323 steps).  And it was primarily uphill, steep uphill at times. At the start of the day, I saw lots of shiny boots and clean pants...no more.  I actually (for the first time) got out a hiking pole to traverse down some wet muddy rocks.

These are trees that have somehow been preserved. In the early light of the day, and from a distance, they looked like shimmering ghosts.

The pilgrim's bridge over the Ponte de Aspera.

Another tiny walkway over a river and I was most appreciative.  I would hate to have to forge it.  I have had to wade streams before and then your boots are really squishy.

Lots of moss covered rocks like walking through a fairy land.

The modern symbol of a Peregrino at least in the Galacian area.

Isn't he gorgeous.   He was quite the large "gato" for Spain.  

Pontomarin, in the distance.  I was already at 14 miles, more than the whole day was supposed to be.

I love these ancient stone villages.  They are cold to walk through because the stones retain the chill.  And today, the wind was howling through here.

You just never know what is around the next corner of the Camino.  I gave them the right of way.  There was a large (German?) shepherd working the cows and he gave me that "don't mess with me or my cows look."  I respected his authority and stepped aside.

The Rio Miño into Portomarin.

Just what I wanted to see at 17 miles...long steep stairs.  Mama mia.

At least I was sure I was in the right town!

Santiago is pointing the direction of "the way."

The church was supposed to open at 4:00 and didn't open until 6:30.  I kept checking and checking...finally!

I think this is a still. The Spanish drink something called Patcheran which is about like our moonshine.  Too strong for me.

There is a little trailer behind him with a man camping out.  I believe this was the "horsepower".  Maybe I will see him on the trail!