There was cloud cover as we left into the darkness at 7.30am. I had to use the headtorches as the path had loose stones causing a trip hazard.
We were still high up and as we rounded a corner, dawn was breaking giving a wonderful view of the mountains range and valleys. Mist hovered over some of them. I had to pause to admire the view.
The path gradually descended into Triacastela. My phone pinged and it was Brian. He was grounded in Samos as his laundry was stuck in a broken washing machine. Being a Saturday there was no one on hand to sort it.
We were 9km out of Samos so we picked up the pace to catch up and have lunch with him. The route briefly ffollowed the main road winding through the valley before turning on to a country footpath, through woods and farmland.
It passed through hamlets with buildings that looked like they were barely standing. The waymarkers are now more frequent, counting down the distance to Santiago. They are acting as a reminder that I am on the late stages of the Camino.
We caught sight of Samos nestled in a valley and made our way down. We could hear a brass band playing, surely Brian hadn’t put on a fanfare for us!?
As we crossed the bridge into Samos, Brian shouts “Stuart” with his arms in the air. I reciprocated. It was good to see him. We sat at a cafe with a drink, as the marching band came down the street.
Not sure what it was in aid of, I just put it down to it being in Spain. Dirk had a look at the washing machine, he inserted some more coins and unlocked!
Now the clothes were now liberated the three of us had a meal at a restaurant. We caught up on our Camino adventures before heading on to Sarria.
The route was very much the same and just as we entered Sarria it began to rain. We found an albergue for the night. After a shower we headed to a pizzaria.
Sunday I’m planning on a rest day, I’m not ready to race into Santiago, plus my left leg was a little sore yesterday, I think a day off is due.
Stu's Camino 