Stage 30 - Imagine That: Triacastela to Sarria (via Samos), 27 kms, 7.5 hrs, 20C, mixed sun & cloud

The Way Less Travelled...

Sitting here having done the laundry and showered still somewhat bagged out after a long day of walking over hill and dale...except I think the hills and the dales were all upwards! Up and away early in the dark this morning as we were taking the longer, less travelled route via Samos the home of a World Heritage Site monastery that has been supporting the Camino for over a thousand years.

We started off at a brisk pace up the side of a highway well lit up, both of us probably looking like a couple of Christmas trees with head and shoulder lamps on high beam and flashing away. Always amazed at the folks who walk without lights as the Spanish have something of a reputation on the road...there have been peregrino fatalities while we've been here. Anyway, on a more positive note, the walk was exceptional as we passed along deep hedge rows and you could see where the trail had been carved into the substrata over the past millennium. 

We walked through some lovely farmy type settings and eventually found ourselves with a view down to the monastery.

 

After sitting and waiting for about 40 minutes we were let in to wandered about. There was a major fire here in the '50's, but it was worthwhile and I particularly liked how they painted around the doors...

In town we bumped in to our old friend Ken at of all places...a bar! So off the three amigos went again to walk north through the hill country and cut the more travelled Camino route...it's much longer, but those who toughed it out today were amply rewarded with small, tiny villages and rural scenery that iI imagine has been pretty much untouched by the passing centuries.

Inside the church...very simple.

As far as we have come these past weeks I always find it truly inspirational when I see someone walking who clearly has very little. I know nothing of this peregrino...where he started or how he is managing...I have no idea. I know that he's Spanish, he turned down the offer of gratis food in the bar where we stopped for a glass of local cheap wine and that he walked on carrying his few possessions in a plastic bag. He smiled at me as we passed and wished me a buen Camino. 

From where I'm sitting, it was a very good day...

...and a few words more about the less travelled road:

Geoff and I have been reminded on this journey that when given a choice, we frequently opt for the road less travelled. In reflecting on this today, a few things occurred to me; a) this is probably reflective of our independent natures, b) lucky for us - and probably those around us - we are usually in synch on this, and c) while it may take a little longer, the reward is usually worth it, as demonstrated today.

Buen Camino