Portomarin

Can’t believe it I am in Portomarin. Staying in the Albergue Ferramenteiro for 10 Euros.  I will post a pic of an endless sea of bunk beds.  I’m surrounded by young ladies Tina’s age so I must behave my self.

Today’s walk was not as hard as the day before but difficult enough.  We covered about 1o.3 km.  The road and trail was better than before so it only took 5 hrs including rest stops.  Mid morning we came upon a farm that had cold drinks, and an amazing display of cakes cookies, fruits etc.  The farmer kept handing us samples until we begged no more.  The cost a 1.50 donation.  At times people here are so kind to the pilgrims passing by.  I wouldn’t blame them for getting frustrated with us, but they are mostly kind and generous.

All day we heard about the trail end into Portomarin and worried that we would be so slow that we would create a bottle neck or we would get hurt. A little way before the danger zone we met a very fat French man.  I wondered how on earth could he do this.  We left ahead of him and I kept wondering when he would pass us slow pokes.  Suddenly we could see the city on our right, and the Frenchman caught up.  He continued to warn us in French that the way was very dangerous.  We read a warning sign that pointed out the extreme danger  ahead with scary pictures.  I notice an alternative route for bicycles and started to ask about it but only the Frenchman would talk with us.  He took off down the road so Rumy and I followed him and were amazed at how fast he walked down the very step hill.  We continued to follow but he disappeared waving his arms like telling us follow me! Thank God we did for this route was a little bit longer but much safer. We never saw him again and we tried to keep up.  Another angel this time a fat French one.  I do not mean to be cruel but he was twice my size and moved like a down hill racer.  I am certain he saved our lives or a long hospital stay.  I never want to experience that kind of down hill again.  If no other choice I’ll take a taxi around the danger.

We have covered 23 km the past two days so I’m proud of our progress.  However I have 90 km to go or 56 miles.  It is very hard to get accurate distances everyone has a unique number.  Tomorrow we plan to walk to Gonzar only 8 km or 5 miles but we know somehow it will be longer than the plan.

Ok I’m going to end this an try to post some pictures.  Miss all of you and will be happy to be home with family and good friends.

Buen Camino

Frank