Overnight - Albergue Aqua Portomarin
While today's stage promised to be straightforward, it was clear that the whole vibe of the Camino has now changed significantly. Walking out of Sarria, I was met with a whole new group of pilgrim colleagues. There were so many people, I wouldn't have been surprised had a travelator - similar to those common in big airports - suddenly appeared on the track.
Not that this change was a surprise. I had been pointing out to my fellow pilgrims over the last couple of days the following very prescient comment in Brierley’s guide for the post-Sarria stage:
“Note for ‘seasoned’ pilgrims: Beware of signs of irritation at the intrusion on ‘my’ camino - remember that many of the new arrivals may be nervous starting out and the last thing they need is aloofness built on a false sense of superiority. A loving pilgrim welcomes all they meet along the path with an open mind and an open heart … without judgement.”
I'm pretty sure I obliged. I certainly tried to.
Later in the morning, I met up again with my Czech and Brazilian buddies - Martina and Ned - and we walked together until a refreshing lunch at Portomarin, where I had a place booked for the night. While they walked on after lunch, I checked into the albergue and explored the small but attractive riverside town with a very pleasant square surrounding the church.
In the evening, a group of us from the albergue decided to go out and ended up having a wonderful long dinner at one of the church side cafes in the town square.
Weather - Normal service resumed today. Blue skies, warming up after a cool start. Move along - nothing to see here, folks.
Health - The itching I mentioned yesterday started to get particularly annoying today. I hate to admit the possibility, but I think the bed bugs have made their presence felt in a few spots on my upper legs and arms. There's only about half a dozen apparent bites, but they sure look like the bites that have afflicted some other pilgrims much more profoundly. I'll just have to suck it up, I suppose.
Food - Albergue breakfast (mini buffet); Lunch at Portomarin (salad, tea, bread); Pots of tea x2 at a Portomarin cafe; Pots of tea x2 at another Portomarin cafe; Group dinner in Portomarin with a selection of different food etc
Expenses - Accommodation - 10.00; Food/Drink - 20.90; Other (Australian flag pin at Portomarin shop - 1.50) Total - 32.40
Walking time - 6 hours, 10 minutes (start 8:05am, arrive at accommodation 2:15pm)
Brierley distance - 22.1km (total 687.2km)
Daily Steps - 32,497
Total Camino steps - 1,096,790
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