Portomarin

Well, today I took the first step and then the second and didn't stop for 4 hours. I ended up going 25km. The ankle did hurt for the first couple of kilometers, but then it went away until the last couple, just to remind me it was still there.  The funny thing is the right knee hurt walking down all the hills today.  I guess I'm falling apart piece by piece.

So this is the first picture of the day. After I climbed the first hill to Old Town then I had to go down into the valley.   This is from the bottom.

Some one climbed half way up the second hill and left this free food and drinks.  I did see this a lot on the trail today.

Going up the first hill was through an oak forest

Part way up the hill was this guy sleeping, right on the trail!

The view from the top of the first hill was so pretty

You could see for miles.  You can see the bridge from the first pic.

Then we had to walk on the pavement for some time

There were lots of drinking fountains along this trail

Kilometre 104

A stream to cross.  See the bridge just for Pilgrims?

I have been hearing about the grain storage buildings and I finally saw my first one.

This was one of the best days for beauty.  Either that or I have been locked up too long.

Walking into one of the small towns

This is one of the new grain  storage buildings.

And another

Another walkway for us to cross over the water

You could see for miles down in the valleys

And this is the big mile stone marker 100.  Only 100 kilometres to go to Santiago!    

Everyone seems to want to write on it

Another great view

And that was the last picture of the walk the camera went dead. For 3 days I sat in a room and I thought the thing was charged.     I guess it wasn't.   I missed so much today like having to get off the trail for the heard of cattle to pass.   And another time about 100 sheep.  Walking into this town over the bridge and up the steps was amazing.   All in the memory for now.

This is the room I ended up with I was in town early enough to get in the Albergue.  There was probably 35 people lined up and they were all young.   Tonight is party night I am sure.

 I am in Arenas if any one needs to book ahead.  31 Euros

Nice room.  The only downside is a shared bathroom.  Maybe I've been spoiled lately.

The church across from where I am

Nice windows



It sure was bright inside

And this is the front

Another cross.  It says Camino Santiago on the bottom

This was the line up at 11am at the Albergue.   I walked right on past it to the Pension half a block down the road to get myself a private room.

And this is the line up at 12.  It went all the way up the side street

You would not believe how many people were walking today.   I passed at least 200 to 300.  

 That's  how fast I walk, (or slow everyone else walks) even though today I did slow down from my normal pace.  It was some thing to see.  There was only one spot along the trail when I was by myself.    So any of you slow walkers you might think about going off the book or leave earlier to get in the Albergue. You know who you are..lol..

So tomorrow I have no idea how far I am going.  It's been a wait and see how the ankle feels for awhile now.    I think I am going to look for private places to stay.