Walking the Camino Francés: O Cebreiro to Barbadelo

posted in: Europe, Spain, Travel Journal | 0

DAY 34: O CEBREIRO TO TRIACASTELA

The pep in my step is back, ladies and gents! I woke up with an appetite and I am ready to roll. O Cebreiro was foggy at the top, but just down the trail a little it cleared up and we were able to see the purple and pink hues of the morning light.

It was a spectacular 13-mile walk today with amazing vistas the entire way. We had many ups and downs which made the 13 miles feel longer, but it was all well worth it.

Lush green days are upon us in the Galicia region! It was settled by Celtics and its Ireland connection carried over to the landscape here in Spain.

The path provided splendid views of green pastures and rolling hills all the long live day.

We settled in our six bunk room and my entertainment for the night unfolded as I watched a short-lived pilgrim scuffle. An otherwise affable Italian man versus an encroaching Japanese family trying to take over the whole area. The Italian man won as he snitched on them and the confrontation ended with the albergue owner yelling at the family.

Oh the drama on the Camino…

DAY 35: TRIACASTELA TO BARBADELO

A glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and a coffee at a cave-like cafe started us off right this morning.

Temperatures reached the upper seventies which was great, but left us a little sweaty on the uphills.

Not only was it another fabulous day chock-full of scenic views, but we also found our small selves being shaded among the tall trees as well.

On a short break from the countryside, we found ourselves in the unassuming town of Sarria. We stopped for a quick break along the river where the railing, decorated with shells, showed some pilgrim love.

An otherwise forgettable city, it is here in Sarria that will go down as the start of a pilgrim overload. We will most likely join a wave of pilgrims joining the hike in search of the infamous compostela.

Don’t flip out when I tell you this important side note about the Camino… you don’t have to walk the whole 500 miles to get the “official” certificate. You only have to walk the last 100 kilometers! It is roughly 62 miles and a big difference from our current journey.

So it is here in Sarria that we’ve heard the path will become congested with what some call wannabe pilgrims. It’s similar to the whole traveler versus tourist controversy. My original thought was everyone walks their own journey and who am I to judge what others choose to do. BUT with that being said, I found myself stuck with a smidgen of annoyance as these clean-shaven, good-smelling, makeup wearing, no-blister, fresh-clothes donning day-packers swiftly passed me by.

Luckily my newfound resentment was all a distant memory when we checked in to our comfy home for the night. Woohoo, no municipal which means no bunk beds!

Huh. As I write this, I realize there are so many levels of pilgrims and others might consider me a pilgrim snob for our current “luxury” accommodations. I guess I’ll curb my judgments of others and tomorrow will smile and wish everyone a Buen Camino no matter how much eyeliner they are sporting!

Under 70 miles to Santiago to go!

 

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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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