Sunday June 5

 

Today’s weather-perfect for riding.  Iago escorted us out of town since it was confusing.  Of course, he left us off at the first “ROAD GOES UP”!  I forgot to use my inhaler, so barely 20 minutes in, I felt like I hit a wall.  So- I walked while.   

We rode about 5 miles of today’s journey on the Camino.  More pilgrims were in this area, than the other day.  We’re getting closer!  The markers along the way are actually counting down the KM to Santiago.  The ride was rough, muddy and smelly!  Apparently, this area had some rain, and the runoff made biking a little treacherous. Large stones and gravel dotted the trail, with crazy ruts and bumps.  We had to get off and walk to negotiate the bad spots.  All the while, trying not to run anyone over.  Some pilgrims were walking 2 to 4 abreast, making it difficult to pass.  We riders, needed to alert them to our passing without startling them.  I would just call out, “Ola”.  If they moved, I thanked them and wished them a Buen Camino.  Sometimes we passed the same group more than once!  The Pilgrims were of all nationalities, ages, sizes and fitness.  Loners, as well as groups.  We would sometimes see people gathered beneath trees, or sitting on rocks or logs, massaging their feet.  They are truly a committed bunch. 

What is interesting about the Camino, is that it seems to be country roads, that wind through farmland and forest, then suddenly leads into a town.  This particular stretch we rode today was dominated by cows.  Dung was everywhere, assaulting our olfactory senses.  A cue sheet directive actually said “If you smell cows, you’re in the right place!” 

 

 

 

Midway through, we could hear the haunting strains of a bagpipe.  Lo and behold, there next to a field of munching cows, was someone bleating a bagpipe. 

 

 

It was quite lovely, though usually I’m not a fan.  But this bucolic setting was beautiful - it was almost like he was serenading the bulls!
 

Our lunch stop was in Portmarin Centro, where we stopped at a café on the lake.

It began to get a little or the overcast, so I opted for a van ride to avoid the next big hill – it is my vacation after all!  Rosita took us to the top, and then we entered the Camino once again.  The Camino led right into Palace e Rei (the bowl of the king) where our hotel was located on the outskirts of town.  The final part of today’s ride was over large stones or tiles, causing a tooth clattering, butt bouncing and ball busting experience.

The hotel was Complejo La Cabana – cabin.  It resembled something you might find in the Adirondacks or the Poconos.   The grounds had manicured lawns, something we haven’t seen yet.

 
Dinner was a walk into town.  The sun was setting upon our return – 10:15PM!!  These long days are great!