Making our way toward Galicia, we walked from Vega de Valcarce to O Cebriero on a soggy sodden muckity mucked trail. Up and up and up we climbed, for hours. Horses use this section of the trail. Do I need to say more? The redeeming grace was the gift of spectacular views.
The Howling Wind
I find myself now void of appropriate adjectives to describe what we see as we walk the Camino de Santiago. I fear my camera did not capture the depth of the wonders that surrounded us. Today, I decided that those who live on mountain tops, in Spain, must be a sturdy breed of people. The howling wind! The constant drizzle! Their endurance, however, is rewarded with views that take your breath away and a lifestyle I can only imagine.
Stepping in to Galicia
We reached the summit at 4,430′ and found ourselves stepping into Galicia. We reached O Cebriero and learned we needed to take a detour of about 2 1/2 miles, away from the Camino de Santiago, to reach our accommodations in Piedrifita. Bah! The highway was the only way and I wasn’t looking forward to walking along the shoulder of a twisty mountain road with cars swooshing by.
The Kindness of Strangers
Abi was quite a bit ahead of me when a car stopped near him. Next thing I knew this wonderfully kind man was giving us a ride to Piedrifita. The kindness of strangers. We didn’t get his name, he didn’t speak English, but we understood each other just the same. Muchas Gracias didn’t seem adequate but it’s all we could offer.
There is a saying, the Camino de Santiago will provide, and I believe it to be true. The sweet hotel owner who kidnapped us, the nuns who gave us a peaceful place to sleep and the gift of a ride from a kind stranger, all lasting memories from the Camino.
What a gift we’ve given ourselves. If we take nothing else away from this experience, being reminded of the good in people has made it all worthwhile. Buen Camino.
May 7 & 8
Days 26 & 27
We walked 18.5 miles
Highest elevation: 4,430′
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So this was a good day NOT to fall down on the trail. I think you must have an angel following you on the Camino. Good things just keep happening.
And that green. I know it must be even more stunning in person. Linda
Yes, a very good day NOT to fall down and I watched my step – believe me! I cannot put the “green” into words. It’s just a sight one must see to believe.
I’ve just caught up with all your posts; the journey just keeps getting more amazing! I particularly loved hearing about your stay with the nuns. What stunning views, take it all in 🙂
Amy recently posted…Time to Leave – Tam Coc and our Motorbike Crash
The nuns will always be one of my favorite Camino memories. Hard to believe we’re almost to the end!
Pati, I so look forward to your updates amd loving your good humour, you do make me laugh. The pictures are gorgeous, Galicia looks very hilly and quite a challenge, but the rewards are those fabulous vistas.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Canela, Brazil – And A Tale Of A Cinnamon Tree
Galicia is indeed hilly – up/down, up/down, but it is absolutely beautiful, so green and lush.
Wonderful to see the ever changing landscape in your photos –
What a wonderful walk 🙂
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted…A Travelling Tale… or, How I Finally Got to Whistler
It is really something, we no longer feel as if we’re even in Spain, it has changed so much!
Patti andAbi!
So good to read this post! I laughed and laughed at Patti’s humor about trekking up and up and of course, sharing the muckity muck trail and foot steps with horse puckie! I was raised with it (5 horses and colts at our house)… Patti your camera and framing of the views was so professional. Honestly, I wish I could carry your packs it is so inspiring! I love the tales of help from total strangers —so much a renewal of the heart and of humanity! Can’t wait for more, truly!
Kathleen M Keith recently posted…Do You Know The Value of a Social Media Manager?
Thank you for your lovely words, Kathleen. It means so much to have you with us!
Anybody who lives in such a beautiful setting should be happy and kind.
Gaelyn recently posted…Clouds across northern Arizona
It seems that way, doesn’t it?!
“Breathtaking” scenery is not hyperbole. I saw some Camino shells at the Basilica of Montserrat this week near Barcelona. Apparently, some branch of the Caminogoes through there. That would be quite a climb on foot.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…G Adventures – Best of Turkey Trip Report
We met a man today who started walking in Paris, in January! And this is his 3rd time! Once is enough for me, thank you.