Camino Day 34: Sarria to Portomarin
“Let us follow our destiny, ebb and flow. Whatever may happen, we master fortune by accepting it.”
Day 34: 26.3 kms - 36,224 steps
A strange feeling starting out today. There are so many more pilgrims on the path – numbers double from Sarria - including some bus tours and other big groups. Pilgrim clusters everywhere.
The trail was pretty but we had no flow – we were either trying to get ahead of or behind pilgrim clusters. Plus lots of pilgrims here were not moving aside for faster walkers – and a lot less Buen Caminos which is weird. It took me half a day to ease into it. By noon the crowds were starting to stretch out on the path and it was generally a nicer experience. I am hoping tomorrow is a less crowded start. We wanted to leave early as the weather was predicted to be hot – in the high 20s which makes walking after 2pm very exhausting. We passed the 100km point today. A sad point.
We had lovely views, mostly farmland, and woodland paths, some dirt roads. Lots of shady trail. We arrived in Portomarin around 1.30 pm. It is a strange town, high on a hill overlooking a large river/reservoir. You approach by a long narrow bridge. We learnt the town used to be in the valley floor, but the river was dammed and the old buildings were moved to the hilltop, one stone at a time, including the monastery/church (closed on Mondays).
The restaurant next door to our hotel has excellent views and we booked a table for lunch with Phillip & Rob. A wonderful lazy afternoon, soaking up the sun and enjoying one of the best meals we have had in Spain – Razor clams, garlic prawns, roast veg and pork chops – so good!! All with stunning views.
