September 28, 2022
Dear Family & Friends:
Rest day in Villafranca, September 26, 2022
We took a much-needed rest day in Villafranca. Because of the rest day, we decided to resume our journey on the Camino from Las Herrerias, instead of Villafranca, so that our arrival in Santiago de Compostela would not be changed. Lisa & Lori need to return home on October 5. This change in starting points shaved just 12 miles off our journey. I will make up the distance on the other side of Santiago.
Las Herrerias to Triacastela, September 27, 2022 (16.0 miles)
The day began with a steep 5-mile climb to O Cebreiro, which is our last peak of the Cantabrian mountains and our entry into Galacia, the final autonomous community of the Camino. The rest of the day was up and down movement over rolling hills. The scenery was spectacular. The highlight of the day was Lisa retiring her broken shoes by draping them over a Camino sign along the trail. This is a custom that is followed by Camino Pilgrims whose shoes expired on the journey.
We spent the night at a restored, rock farmhouse just outside Triacastela. The location was supremely quiet, rustic and remote and only one other Pilgrim was staying at this venue. Lisa and I liked the accommodations, but Lori, Amy & Elle were a bit spooked by the atmosphere. A herd of bulls grazed in the pasture directly across from the “hotel.”
Triacastela to Sarria, September 28, 2022 (15 miles)
This was one of the most beautiful and scenic days I have enjoyed on the Camino. The day began with rain, which started as a light drizzle, accelerated to a heavy drizzle and continued for several hours. The rain eventually gave way to clear skies and sun. The entire trip was adorned with moss, ferns, forests, streams, rivers and lush green vegetation. We walked on a well maintained dirt trail, carpeted with leaves and completely devoid of those pesky rocks that make trail walking so difficult. It was another long day, but every minute enjoyable. The highlight of the day was Lisa depositing some of Danny’s ashes along a river that reminded her of Boulder Creek, Colorado. Danny loved to raft down Boulder Creek when he was in college.
Today was also another milestone day: we now have fewer than 100 miles to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Tomorrow, we walk to Portomarin.
Miles walked: 411.9
Miles remaining: 71.6
Las Herrerias to Triacastela
Lisa’s retired shoes
Triacastela to Sarria
Lisa deposited some of Danny’s ashes here
Hi Bill
Beautiful story about placing some of Dan’s ashes in this beautiful area. We have been in Galacia for a # of days and are loving it.
God willing we will reach Santiago today! Yesterday we had your same weather and it was just great as we just geared up the rain duds and moved on.
Cycling the Portuguese has been a lot of fun. I think you should pick up a bike in Santiago and head south! Meet Sharon say down in Morocco!
All the best, you are closing in!!
PS met a Kiwi last night who has walked all over the world. He just did the Italian part of the Via Francigena and then came straight from there to walk the Portuguese.
So enjoying your journey of delightful pictures and prose. Best wishes for great sucess with your family.
Hi Bill,
Vince Weatherby just told me you were on the Camino! I know words can’t really describe this amazing journey but I actually walked it in May/June this year from SJPDP to Finisterre so I know the joys you are experiencing… Buen Camino!
All the Best, Robert DeMott AC #1080
Bill and family, the converted farmhouse/hostel with bulls outside the window was a laugher—something that city ladies don’t often encounter! We really liked O Cebreiro—very lively at the summit.
Your pictures are priceless.
Hiking blessings,
Rick
What a trip so far. Bill, the owners of El Faro s in New York City were from Galicia. A few went back there to live. They always spoke about how beautiful it was.
Bill
You looked fit when you started and you and the ladies all look super fit now.
Let me suggest you not waste that conditioning. I hear there is a great
Trek to the head waters of the Nile … just a shade over 4 100 miles. And best of all is just a bit south of your current location. Please send pictures