27 September - Sarria to Portomarin

Col: I have once been more buggered than I was at the end of the first days walking on the Camino. Our problem locating the place to stamp our Camino passports saw us climb far too many steps and we had about an extra 3 klms of walking to add to the 22 that we were due to do officially. Consequently the body was screaming for mercy by the time we arrived in Portomarin. Putting about 4 litres of water in my backpack probably didn’t help either. And talk about déjà vu – first day of walking was pouring rain and up a hill out of Sarria- very reminiscent of England along with the lovely smell of cowshit and chicken shit. Almost reminiscent of the terror tunnel of turds. All of this coupled with my flu/ nausea made it a tough day. Resurrected the old backwards down the hill patented walking style to great affect on the very steep descent into Portomarin. Had salad and lamb cutlets for dinner and then off to bed in recognition of much needed rest.

Eric: The first day of the walk was also one of the longest with 22km's of rural Spain between us and Portomarin. Stepping out of our hotel, the heavens opened up and rain started pouring. Great.

 

 

Trudging through the countryside, the views were breathtaking. But more memorably the dung was plentiful.

A wild mudkipz appeared! 

 

The rain didn't help as we trudged through streets glistening brown with diluted dung. I swear my backpack ended up infused with its robust bouquet with subtle notes of hay. Still, we should count our blessings as only three senses were subjected to this experience and not more.

Portomarin was a welcome sight. Tired and weary, we crossed the bridge over the Rio Miño into town. We were finally here!

 

John: As Colly says the rain didn’t let up all day and there was cause yet again to ask “who’s bloody idea was this ?” similar sentiments were expressed on our second day in England standing in a pine forest in a howling gale. It wasn’t a howling gale but it was heavy at times and a bit like the Magic Pudding … you’d have your fill … it’d let up for a bit … and then it’d start all over again. For all the rain there was little water in the reservoir when we crossed the bridge and you could see the remains of bridges past. And just for Colly there was another good set of stairs to finish (him) off. Hotel was nice and the food good and we had an electrical storm in the evening for a bit of entertainment. For the most part our entertainment at the moment seems to be sleeping – we were seriously tired at the end of this day.