2 November Overcast and a bit warmer, then clearing and sunny

QB walked and then limped into town after doing almost 15 miles. Soldiering on, in pain, but determined. This was not an easy walk. Water pouring down the sides of the path as well as hills and mud and more mud.

The cycling book said that this stage, today and tomorrow, were to be the hardest of the entire pilgrimage. Suspect he was tired when he wrote that section but it was not an easy day. Right out of Sarria is a 200 meter climb followed by rolling somewhat steep hills. Eventually a very steep long descent, not my favorite as regular readers will properly surmise. For the day about 1.1 ESB We are out of the mountains but not out of the foothills.

Perfect day for riding and walking. Scenery, especially the fall colors and hills, as well as stone walls and interesting architecture (some pictured) made the ride a very good one. We believe that the pictured rectangular buildings are feed cribs.

QB walk full of barnyard animals. Turkeys, pig, horses, chickens, dogs.

Portomarin was moved. It is situated on a good sized river and in the 1960’s someone decided that they needed a reservoir. Dammed the river and flooded the valley after moving the town stone by stone to its current location. Especially the fortified Romanesque church. Later on they decided that they did not need the flooded valley and got rid of the reservoir.

Nice hotel. Will find out about dinner later. Last evening’s dinner was excellent with sauteed white mushrooms and jambon, as well as monkfish properly prepared in oil and garlic. QB’s baby scallops in garlic were perfect.

Maybe a dove cote.

Now seeing markers on the Camino every half km. Road route is a bit longer, maybe 20%

A tired and sore QB before the ascent into Portomarin, yes on top of another steep hill.