June 12-Samos to Sarria 15km

We got an early start today because the monastery in Samos kicked us out at 6:30am. After a breakfast of blood sausage sandwiches at the Catalunyan restaurant Victoria across the street, we started walking by 7:30 or so. Anna enjoyed talking with the owners. We wish them well! They just started this family business.

 

We had a shorter day today due to tired feet and the beginnings of blisters, also because we heard all lodging was already booked up in the next town Barbadelo. I think our walk was about 15km today, with many more route markers and pilgrim monuments now.

 

The monastery albergue in Samos-we both had top bunks. Don't fall out of bed and good luck getting up there!

 

See you later, Samos!

Am I starting to look legit? Anna and I now walk with palos (walking sticks) just like Santiago (St James) and other peregrinos (pilgrims). This was a monument we passed leaving Samos.

 

 

On the way...There are now many markers like this-all through Galicia.

 

Hanging out with the king in front of our not-so-good lunch place in the plaza of Sarria.

Just saving a life after lunch...

 

The old church where we need to get our sellos (stamps) to prove we have walked the last 100km. This is the start of that pilgrimage!

June 4-to Astorga by train

I somehow managed to have an excellent night sleep and woke up refreshed at 7:30. Have I escaped jet lag? Anna's mom served us a lovely breakfast and we were off to catch the 9:40 train to Lleida and then to Astorga.

 

We waited for the train to Astorga....

 

The countryside was beautiful for the 5 hour ride.

 

We made it!

 

And immediately had no idea where we were...

 

But we soon found our way to the historic chocolate factory In a gorgeous mansion Astorga is known for-sweet!

 

We had a lovely dinner of octopus grilled in chorizo and squid with a lemony tartar sauce in the plaza.

We even found a great place to stay-Siervas Maria-check out the medieval wall outside the window-excellent first night!

 

 

June 5-Astorga to Rabanal

We got an early start-6am from Astorga. We had an excellent night at a historic pilgrim hospital now hostel -Servieras de Maria.

 

I immediately left my water bottle behind when I took that photo-Soy una patata!-as Anna would say. My life was spared when we encountered Bar Cris in Rechivalde by 10am. Cafe, orange juice, churro. I will be ok!

 

Our earlier search for water in Valdeviejas did not result in water, but check out this excellent pair of storks in their nest. This was a great detour!