Saturday, June 4

 

Going to breakfast today, we were daunted by a big black cloud overhead.  However, by the time we ate, repacked and went down for our morning route meeting, the sun had broken through so we repacked our outer jackets – and never even took out the rain gear.

 

Our ride today would take us to Sarria.  It begins with a straight uphill of 6 miles, so I chose to be vanned to the top.  I had some company…  I heard no admonishment about bringing along a jacket…just saying.  Anyhow, as we climbed, the clouds returned.  But lo and behold, it was no cloud, but dense fog.  The further up the mountain, the thicker the fog.  Iago let us off in a little town, (Cebreiro) that was aflutter with pilgrims trying to keep warm and dry.  There was a souvenir shop, and of course, a church.  Mass had just begun, and I was surprised to see that it was celebrated in the old Latin style, with the priest’s back to the congregation.  Anyhow, we decided to get going since it didn’t look like it would clear anytime soon.  The ride was a fantastic downhill, BUT, it was totally in the fog. 

 

 

It was difficult to follow the cue sheets, but we stopped from time to time to regroup.  We stopped at the pilgrim statue for a photo-op then continued the descent.  I took off, figuring, the quicker I get down, I’d have a shot at warming up.  The humidity was so bad, my eyeglasses kept fogging over.  I had to take them off, then water was just dripping from the sides of my eyes.  Each follicle of hair on my arm (remember- no jacket- DUMB) had a bead of water, it looked like dew drops.  My speed was such that at one point Lenny thought I had run off the road, visibility was that bad!!

We stopped for lunch Samos, across from a Monastery.  I thought I’d never warm up.  Some ordered soup, but I was happy with hot tea.  I have to say, they do alright here in Spain with tea.  I haven’t had to use one of my Lipton teabags from home, yet!

 

 

By the time we reached Sarria, the sun was shining, and our final leg took us to a pedestrian walk along the river. 

The hotel was the Carris Alfofnso IX and beautiful!  It’s placement on the river was great for a stroll and decompressing before dinner.

I decided to have a drink  since I knew we were having fish for dinner and couldn't have wine.  This area of Spain (Galicia) is big on pulpo (octopus).  The waiter didn't understand "vodka" so Bob and I had to peruse the shelves of liquor.  Quite an ordeal.  Dinner was a grand affair at the hotel.  At the end of the meal, we were presented with 3 different kinds of aperitifs.   It was a great day, great ride, great food and great friends!