Each day brings it’s own character to the trip
We set out expecting a much easier day. It was easier but had its own challenges.
As we entered the off road trail we passed another interesting plantation of trees.
This may have been the first sign of change as the path and countryside today was very different than before. We were generally surrounded by growth and trees and the path often grassy.
While this was slow going it was better than the stony paths that shake you to the bones as you ride but it did have its own special obstacles.
The nature of the path continually changed and progress was slow
A little way into stage one in the small town of Villa de Faron John’s desire to climb everything took him up to check out the churches bells.
Soon the countryside changed again and we were cycling alongside a large reservoir that looked like a lake.
Shortly afterwards we came on a house, in a tiny village, owned by a couple from South Africa. They had set up a small hut where pilgrims could stop and get a cup of coffee.
The lady who lived there said they were from South Africa and we’re there because her husband did missionary work.
We met another couple from Italy there. They had set out walking from Seville around mid August.
Entering the next town we were met by a group of dogs quietly managing a herd of sheep. They kept the sheep in line while we rode past.
John, the historian has to check out anything that might have been made by man. This time they were what the seemed – rocks!
Shortly after this bit of fun we hit a long climb up over stony terrain. It was slow work but the descent was worse. The ground became muck rockier and going downhill was slow and treacherous.
We had been saying how little wildlife we had seen, nothing since that wild boar. Today things improved a little. First a rabbit shot across on front of us and later as we started up a hill a deer walked out and stood at the top of the hill
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At the next town we stopped for a lunch of Tapas. I thought I should show you what one of these bars is like
We have both commented on the obvious economic issues in the region, especially the very small towns which lok like they are back 60-70 years ago.
Shortly after lunch the rain started. Fortunately for us we had just stopped by an old church and we’re able to shelter in its porch while the worst of the downpour passed.
The rain kept up and we continued but now the trail was wet with lots of water holes and muddy patches.
There were deep ruts on each h side of a central, narrow median of grass so we had to concentrate to ride.
By the time we got to our destination of Puebla de Sanabres were were pretty tired but after a quick shower went off to explore a lovely old mountain fortress town, the original Pueblo de Sanabres, on top of a high hill a few kilometers from our hotel. I think I might try to do a separate, mainly photo, blog of that visit.
As we headed back to the hotel the following greeted us, maybe a harbinger of things to come!
Sorry I can’t seem to load another picture – had a nice one of a double rainbow on the hill!- so am going to try to upload this. I hope it works.
VDLPbyBike 
Really love today’s blog and pics. Sounded like a challenging ride – well done. Four days to go! You have made such great progress. Best wishes for tomorrow.
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Great pics. Those rocky downhills look very tricky and slow. Grassed ruts as well!! Well done ..
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Your blog has really brought home to me the severe impact of the recession on these northern Spanish rural communities.
It is fascinating the variety of people who are either on the pilgrimage or part of the support environment.
Catching the deer was a great picture moment
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Yes Bridie. It has been quite an education for us.
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Again well done. I am amazed you have the energy every day to cover such distances and deal with the various challenges. The difference between today’s landscape and the drier ones you have been through is amazing. Great photos. Very best of luck for tomorrow. A double rainbow has to mean something good. Mary
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Se sono indietro di 60 anni…e’ il posto per me!!! Aspettatemi nonni spagnoli che arrivo, LOL.
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The pictures are really wonderful. I’m impressed–it looks so challenging and you still sound like you’re both going strong, having fun even as you sweat through it. Sending good wishes from Halifax to you both!
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Looks great. Big elevation change tomorrow if i’m reading your map right… good luck. Just 4 days left. How’s that gel seat working out?
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Steve, yest tokay is the big climb day. In the first half we have a 700 m climb to Padrone lo, the highest point in the Camino. In the second half we have two smaller climbs but these are much steeper for a total in the day of around 1500 m!
No gel saddle so all those hours in the saddle before coming paid off!
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What a journey and an experience for both of you .I am so glad you too kit on. It will give food for thought for years. I am really enjoying Loop Head and the special meetings it brings. Love Kathleen
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Kathleen
Nice to hear from you. Who gave you the idea that we get on?
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The high climbs today and tomorrow will make your arrival in Santiago all the sweeter. Good luck today it looks like you are in the Sierra de Queija from my map book. I have often wondered what those tiny villages we see out the window of the plane look like up close, you two are really getting to see them!
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I put a photo of one of those tiny villages in today’s blog! Most are pretty sad.
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Brilliant! Puebla de Sanabres is such a lovely old town and those KMs en route are spectacular. Shame about the weather but it doesn’t seem to have dampened your spirits !
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