Walking the Camino: Day 27 Portomarin to Palas de Rei

We had a lovely evening in Sarria,we got a taxi back there,as Jason's family were a day behind us.

There was a market by the river, just as well my son Piers was not with me, a sweetie extravaganza.

Jim and Joe joined us,Jim is a an ex naval priest and we had a long chat over our meal,I was very frank with him about my experiences and how I felt,he also was exhausted ,it helped me to know that I was not alone.He blessed me as we said goodbye and I must say I felt better for it.

I awoke this morning feeling a bit better,my leg was still hurting but it was business as usual something's never change.

I had a quick walk around the grounds before the taxi came.

This is a really lovely hotel I wish I had more time to explore the grounds.

In the taxi on the way back to Portomarin I reflected on yesterday ,I hit the wall at 150 mph head on,but today I have bouncesd back,I think it was our fault we had not eaten or drunk enough water.combined with tiredness ,we paid a heavy price,there is no excuse we should know better,it will not happen again.

We had breakfast then set off on our 15 mile walk.

We were below the mist and cloud that we had seen two days ago.

It was not long before we were climbing again ,my ankle and lower leg were playing up so I took a painkiller and it soon weaved its spell.

Again we came across loads of walkers who wanted to walk the last 80 miles,it was beginning to annoy me as they kept blocking our way and slowing us down ,thankfully when it came to the hills we just powered by them.

We had decided to stop at each village to take our boots off and take some food and water onboard.

I noticed that none of the new walkers took their boots off when they stopped,they would soon learn,every chance that came our way off came the boots to give our feet an airing,it makes such a difference.

I should point out at this moment that Agnes is a walking medicine cabinet and it is thanks to her that my ankle has gone a bit quiet on me,if you have an ailment Agnes has got a remedy.

I could not wait to get away from the crowds,I was beginning to realises how lucky I was to have had the walk to myself up until Sarria.

Jason was sporting his new Indiana Jones look,I think he was really rather pleased with the image.

There is no doubt the further we travel west , we do not see the villages with the character that we were used to,this is more of a farming community and you do not see the churches perched on hills guiding you to prayer.

This one is for you Jeremy from the team.We all know what this meant to you ,I feel you are with us all the time.

As always I just loved the views in this part of the country..

I have now fallen asleep twice whilst doing this blog which is the norm!!!!

Time for DOAB

A bonus is in order,a calf on a blog.

It was getting hotter again but this time we were prepared for it.

I like that photo for some reason,I think it shows the explorer in me.

I was yearning to see a church or an interesting village,sadly it never happened just glorious countryside.

I decided to place one more stone when I hit the 50 miles to go point as a thank you to my family, friends all at European and dear clients who have encouragement me and helped me to get so close to the finishing line.A huge heartfelt thank you to you all.The end is in sight.