Day 2 Sunday 22nd September

As we left this morning it felt a bit like Piccadilly Circus – the world and his wife seemed to be leaving with us! This is a busy stretch of the Camino because it is the last bit that enables the pilgrim to claim his or her “Credential “ from the Cathedral of Santiago. There were people from all over the world climbing out of Sarria with us but plenty of Spanish too. How we got to the top of the first hill so quickly I’m not sure – but think it could have been something to do with one of our compatriots having his phone on speaker, constantly informing him ( and us by default!)how how fast he was going, how far he had gone and how many calories he’d burnt ……….

We are walking through beautiful countryside – mostly agricultural- along tranquil lanes and on what we would call bridleways. It is what we would both call “comforting” surroundings! The farm buildings are rustic and almost each one has one of these-:

Unfortunately we have no idea what they are – but will endeavour to find out for you all!

We’ve come across dogs lying in the middle of the road, clearly not phased by pilgrims at all !

As we began our descent to Portomarín we came upon a little bar , and took the opportunity to imbibe in a couple of beers( we felt it would have been rude not to!!)

What we have appreciated, is that prices are not more expensive on the Camino – well we don’t think so, and that says a lot for the people of this region. Our two coffees earlier were 1.30€ each and the beers 2€ – so very reasonable!

I must at this point put your minds at rest – no need at all to test my knees in squatting, and said shewee has remained at the bottom of my rucksack ( which I can assure you , is where it will stay!!) – the toilets on route are to the standard of many a London hotel. They must also have heard of my dodgy knees because each one has a grab rail by its side!!!!

The observant amongst you will see that I ( and we) have purchased walking poles – for 8.50€ each they have more than earned their keep today! Neither of us could have done as well as we have today without them.

When you have walked just short of 15 miles there is one sight not totally pleasing to the eye.

However we climbed them all ( and there were more than in this photo!) and arrived in Portomarin

The buildings here seem to be influenced by Belgian or French architecture – they don’t seem typically “Spanish” though beautiful all the same.

So 2.45 and time for lunch – menu del dia or menu of the day 9.50€ in the main square including a beer, starter, main course and coffee! We also had a glass of ( delicious !) white wine (at great expense 1€ a glass!!)

Then off to our stop for the night – a 3* guest house described as “ costly chic” in the guide book – and beautiful! The attention to detail of both places has been spectacular – shower gels, tooth brushes ….

The people here couldn’t be more friendly – it has been an amazing first day, and the weather has been kind to us too!

Anyway over and out – we’re off for tapas and a bottle of that expensive wine!