Europe 2026

 What started out as a pleasant day turned into a long hard day. Not for anything special. It was just hard walking. Not up and down, but we both celt beat by the time we reached our target city of Melide. I took a few pictures but nothing special. It was that kind of day.  Many abandoned buildings for sale.  Early morning shadow Someone’s broken shell. Not mine.  Cemetery of those who didn’t finish the Camino.      Not really I am just a shadow of my old self.  The path along the road Another Camino way. 

 Well today was suppose to be a dayof rest in Portomarin. However after looking over our schedule, it made more sense. Well maybe not. Seems like tje start of every Camino section starts with a long hike up a hill why the original Pilgrims couldn’t keep to the valley is beyond me. It was so hot and humid, that I could barely keep going let alone take pictures. And besides that thete were no shops or storesfor the first 10 miles. I can’t imagine how many pilgrams turned around over the last hundred years  And then with Gary leading yhe way, we could not find a place to bed down for the night. He did come through and I took a taxi to the place. Dont tell the Camino Police Only picture of interest is of where zomdond xifched their clothes because they were too heavy.  Good night

 Today was the day of our first walk. Started with a great breakfast at our lodging. Talking with other Camino walkers. One from Southport NC. And then out into a light rain to start a 15 miles walk. Well not really a walk. There are some steep hills that hurt going up and coming down. But the scenery and people one meets are fantastic.  Now let me say something right away. Gary T and I walk at different paces, so he forges on ahead and I plod behind. We are both OK with this. That is how the Camino works. So I am now going to post the photos I took on the first part.  Beautiful Moss Everywhere These cows will make great Galician beef One of many small shrines.  Making the famous Galician octopus for Camino Walkers More beautiful moss.  I had this section all to myself. That was probably because I am one of the slower walkers and most people had passed me. I am fine with that. First glimpse of Portomarin. It was a lot further away than that. For me it was a brid...

Another moving day but still the same town. That has to change. And it will with Gary’s arrival tonight. Ready to get moving but didn’t realize it starts up a BIG hill. A couple of photos.  Well not really good representations But there is good news. I was able to store my backpack at the place we are staying at tonight hours before checkin which has been rare so far.  Then I went back to the store where I bought poles and a small bag and bought a medium size suitcase I will use to send most of my stuff forward. After a couple days, it makes sense.  But the best news so far today has been finding chocolate and churos.  New place is best so far. Here’s the lobby. Free beer and wine till 9:30 pm And the only other thing I did today was go to a local grocery store for get some chocolate and look what I ran into   That and this cafe would have me move here   .   

 So today has me at another lodging. Unknown to me, it is on the highest point in Sarria. Not easy carrying all the crap on my back. Stop and rest a lot. But I get there and to the bar just below it. Toast and hot chocolate for breakfast with a beer chaser.  After a couple hours nap, I head off to find the last housing for Sarria. Gary joins me tomorrow afternoon and we are off to hike the Camino on Saturday morning. Have to move a lot because there was no room in the Inns.  The place tomorrow looks great and down in the valley. By this time it is time for dinner. Or so I think. Back to the Sarria River Walk, sit for a beer, and am told the kitchen doesn’t open till 7:00 pm. Now I know I am in Spain. But tonight no octopus for me. Galician Steak tonight.  Sarria from the park on top They have totems here too.  Small chapel next to tomorrow’s lodgings Sarria River Walk  My Galician steak A tree growing thru a wall The steps from below Near the top

 Slow start today in Samos. But that is good. Slept well. Had hot chocolate at the place I had octopus at last night then walked past the Monastery and stopped at a bar for pastry and another chocolate. Then the bar maid called me a cab to get to tonights lodging in Sarria. Mary Ann will be proud to know that I am still wearing the same clothes I left with on Saturday  But I washed everything last night   Today’s start Second cafe in Samos. Plus an expresso.  Today I plan to lighten my walking load a lot. Which I am doing tonight having bought a bag I can put non essentials in and ship on ahead.  But here are some scenes on my walk to get some tapas.  Walk along the Sarria River Historic district Wall of flowers And of  course octopus but with croquet's this time.  Now to try to rescue a painting.  Successfully retrieved the painting but it had a little damage. Took it off the frame and rollled it up for better handling.  And new bag to ...