Pilgrims on the Way

As I mentioned a few days ago, there are a maze of paths and roads from Samos to Sarria, many with Camino signs and markings, and we weren’t entirely sure which route we were on. This sign, which in theory gives us the name of the village and the distance to Santiago, is actually no help whatsoever. I defy you […]

These carts, called carro, are ubiquitous in the rural areas of Galicia. Generally horse-drawn, they were once the mainstay of rural life, transporting hay and harvest. Nowadays, they’ve been retired in favour of motor vehicles, but you will still see them in yards and fields, often put to creative re-uses. Supplemental Map! Date: 27 April 2013Place: between Samos and Sarria […]

My apologies! I’ve been having some computer trouble the past week, and I’ve been unable to post until today. This roadside shrine is located somewhere about two walking hours from Samos. It is representative of a number of similar shrines found along the Camino, many of which date back to the medieval era. I believe this to be a representation […]

There’s a lot going on in this photo, from the semi-wild stream and woods, to the farmed trees in the background. I’m not entirely sure which path it is that we’re taking from Samos to Sarria, but it sure is beautiful. For the record, I think we actually crossed this stream at a bridge slightly after this photo was taken. […]

Despite the rather simplistic map we’ve been using throughout this project, there are actually a maze of paths and roads from Samos to Sarria. (I’ve added a supplementary map, below.) We elected to not walk the version along the highway the entire route. Which route we actually took, though, is a matter up for some debate. We passed waterfalls and […]

At some point, the Camino diverged from the road, and the weather got less misty. It was still pretty chilly though! Here, Francine flashes a smile despite her weariness. I kind of love this photo of her. Date: 27 April 2013Place: between Samos and Sarria (Province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain)Today started: Samos (Province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain)

The road from Samos is a literal road. As you can see, for some sections there’s a gravel path alongside, but it is by no means consistently present. And even when it is there, there’s not always a barrier between it and the road. It’s a trifle unnerving. The weather was somewhere between misty and rainy in turns. Date: 27 […]

We set off across the town of Samos. Our goal was Sarria by lunch, and then on to Morgade or thereabouts for the night. Unfortunately, Francine slept near a very drunk English pilgrim who snored so loudly the bunks shook. We nicknamed him “Mad Mike from Manchester”, though I’m unclear if that was actually his name or home town. Francine […]

For breakfast, we headed over to the other albergue in town, which also includes the wonderful little restaurant where we ate last night’s dinner. Here my friend Eamon from New Zealand texts home (probably) before we head out on the morning’s walk. Date: 27 April 2013Place: Samos (Province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain)Today started: Samos (Province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain)

Just one final photo from the murals in the monastery albergue of the Real Monasterio de San Julián de Samos. This image depicts Saint Martin of Tours, a very popular saint along the Camino and indeed throughout the world. Here the saint is depicted cutting his own cloak in two, so as to give half to a beggar. Tomorrow: back […]