Day 2 - Sarria to Portomarin

After a delightful breakfast, we set out for our first day of hiking.  Groups of people left as they were ready, and I went out with Karen C (but not Karen B), Karin, Rose, and Theresa.  Yes - we have two Bobs, two Karens and a Karin - very common names in the Cleveland Hiking Club!   It was about 21 kilometers, or about 15 miles.   There were quite a few hills - none terribly brutal, but definitely noticeable.  I am using hiking sticks, as I  pulled a hamstring muscle three weeks ago and it is still very weak and a little painful.  The sticks helped a lot.

We did not see any special sights of great historical impact, but met many interesting people along the way.   We were able to help a woman from Venezuela who had leg cramps, and three people from the Canary Islands were thrilled when we took their picture as they struggled trying to get a decent selfie.  In turn, our pictures were taken but a number of other travelers.  We had lunch a a roadside stand where we were fed by a husband and wife who kept bringing out more food - and it was very good!   They didn't speak English and my Spanish is very weak, but we had no trouble understanding each other!

We saw that things other people have told us about El Camino is true.  There are a great many travelers - we never were alone on the road and there was always someone in sight in front of us and behind us.  There are markings at every point where there is a turn, or even a potential turn, so it is nearly impossible to get lost (although Karen and I missed one of the markers - but we heard someone behind us yelling "Hey" "Aqui!" (aqui=here).  And there were places to get food and drink and take bathroom breaks every few miles - so there need be no emergencies as long as you bring a few Euros with you.

Goodbye Sarria!
Here are some pictures of places and people we passed, with a few words about each:
Bob and Karen C ready to set off

Karen C, Theresa, Rose, Karin, Bob
on an overlook high above Sarria
A couple with a roadside stand
who fed us very well!

This is the sign that brought
us into their yard
Greetings from another local
Helpful for travelers
with children
Greetings from a local


Note the holes in the wall.   Probably
used for defense at one time.


We don't know what kind of
flower this is, but it looked like
a spaceship with an alien

The sign at the top welcomes
travelers to rest and
asks that we leave it clean
 

A mausoleum in a churchyard.
The dead are well cared-for!
We don't know what this
symbol is.  But it looks interesting!


Arrival in Portomarin!
After dinner, we went outside and saw a brass band playing.  It appeared that most of the crowd were locals, and they were very enthusiastic!   As well as they should have been.   Some of them were dancing, and so were some of us!









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