STAGE 28 - TRIACASTELA to SARRIA

 Today was a pleasant hike through rolling hills with some rain and bits of sunshine. The city of Sarria is the jump off location for many, many pilgrims who want the experience but not the distance AND the ability to get their certification for having engaged with the Camino. The distance from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is 109 kilometers (68 miles). That means that we are nearing the end. So far we have walked about 407 miles!

As for today, here are some pictures...

Leaving Triacastela we take a long road up to San Xil, a very small village nestled in the hills.

As you can see, the landscape is breathtaking and, frankly, the photo pales in comparison to the brilliance of the green.

There is this small stream that runs down through the valley that is normally unimpressive. But due to all the rains it has grown and has formed this waterfall.

Looking up the valley you see houses dotting the hills.

This one in particular holds a special place in our heart. It belongs to our friend Art Lowe. Art is an artist from England who purchased this place several years ago. He only spends part of his time here working. Sadly, he was returning to Spain today and wouldn't be home until tomorrow. Art is one of the most delightful, insightful, and loving people you could meet.

We continue up the valley...

The rains have made the path a bit muddy. What you see along the sides of the path is moss. Later there will be large ferns growing up along the upper sides of the path.

At the top of the path the view opens up...

And below is the tiny village of San Xil with its church.

Though we had had some sprinkles along way, there was a turn as the clouds started to drop over the hills.

And we could see the showers on their way towards us.

We kept plodding along through the forests.

Happily, we met up with our Swedish-Texan friend, Cristina. She is a delight. Along the path you meet and visit with people from all over the world: Germany, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, South Korea (they usually smile and say Buen Camino. They are very fast walkers), and, of course, Spaniards!

We met some more cow friends. they kept looking at us with a pleading look of "Get me out of here!"

By now the rain is pretty constant but not unmanageable.

Now there are these HUGE black slugs everywhere. The one on the left was all shrunken (about 4 inches). The one of the right was fully extended (about 8 inches). They are called Arion or Black Slugs. They are everywhere.

It is hard to describe the beauty and serenity of these spaces. Sheep and cow herds grazing along the hills. Streams that you have to cross or skirt (like the one above) where large stones have been placed to create a walkway of sorts.

Even the threats of rain and overcast days offer a beauty that is hard to capture with a photo.

All in all, it was a lovely day.