Camino: Day 29

Distance: 25 KM (15.3 miles)

Weather: cloudy with small rain amounts 44-51°

Time on trail: 6 hours & 45 minutes including breaks & stops

Because it was pouring rain just a few minutes before we departed at 9:10, we left Triacastela with the fear that we would soon be soaked & have to walk yet another day in wet gloves & boots.

Fortunately, the forecast for all- day rain didn’t happen. In fact, we soon took off our rain ponchos & enjoyed a lovely day with little rain. A day without rain now is a true gift.

Leaving Triacastela we had two routes we could take. We chose the 6 KM longer route through Samos.

The first KM were next to a road where large trucks kept whizzing by.

We were glad when the trail turned off to a more rural path. Most of the day we walked under huge chestnut trees with their seed pods littered at our feet.

The trail went along well worn paths with rock walls so old, they were almost entirely covered with moss & leaves.

At one point my husband spotted a black & white cat in a tree. It wasn’t long before the kitty became our companion following us for over 10 minutes.

The main reason for taking the longer route was to see the Samos Monastery which dates to the 5th or 6th Century.

Along the way, we also saw many small, charming old churches & buildings which provided an idyllic feeling.

We were also entertained by various farm animals.

The path was generally good; but, sometimes we had to maneuver steep rocky patches & wet, muddy stretches.

Thankfully, we reached Sarria before the heavy rain started

I don’t eat a great deal during the day. Usually a cafe con leche & some nuts with raisins gets me by during the hike. However, when we get to our hotel, I eat a snack or two or three & by dinner, I’m still famished. Check out our dinner tonight. All of this food along with a glass of wine & mineral water only cost 26€.

Tomorrow we will hit the 100 KM to go marker. Pilgrims are required to walk the last 100 KM if they want to receive the official Camino completion certificate in Santiago.