After running half of the way from O’Cebreiro to Triacastela I collapsed at a popular local bar with an ice cold Nestea Limón.  At about 1:30 or 2 o’clock Hunter and I decided to hunt for a good camping spot by the river and wow, we found a great one. The sun shone through the large chestnut trees and the sounds of the birds chirping over the running river was absolutely peaceful and inspiring. We pitched the tent and rolled out my vibrant orange yoga mat to soak in the sunshine. At about 7:30 we looked at the time and had a wild moment of motivation to continue walking. We both laughed at the crazy idea as we wrapped up our gear and launched off back onto the road. With passion and commitment we hiked our way up to the top of the next mountain right as the sun’s orange and pink rays set over the horizon. The stars slowly made their way out of the dark as the brilliant colors in the sky faded away. We found ourselves walking late into the night, thriving on each others laughs and radiant smiles. Hunter taught me about the constellations and we told each other stories until we arrived finally in Sarria at 5 minutes til midnight. The people running an adorable pension at the entrance to the town welcomed us in with open arms and fed us bountifully. I felt like I’d arrived home. Sometimes the Camino itself is genuinely inspiring, something about this experience and this place truly is magical.

Just realized some of my posts this last week didnt post. Will update it soon.
Started on ocebrero yesterday and walked to triacastela barefoot. I set up the tent in thebwoods with Rachel and we prepared to camp arournd 3. Around 7:30 we decided to pack up and walk more. We took the san xil route over the hill just in time to see the sun set over Sarria. Long story short; we were confronted by dogs, enjoyed the peace in being the only ones on the road, were gifted with an undistorted view of the stars at night, and we walked the 20km to Sarria by midnight.

Spent a few days in the mountains last week. Ill write some posts about the experience.

Buen camino, pilgrims.

Peace, love, forever.

palas de rei. I have three days left until Santiago.  If I have time I might bus around Portugal for a little bit. I’m going to post a long post soon!

Evan

Palas de rei

Today was rather difficult for me. I am really struggling with the amount of people out here. I know that we are all pilgrims sharing this experience and that I am no better than anyone else, but I cannot help but feel bitter when I can’t brush my teeth in the mornings because of the crowd of women doing their makeup and when platinum blonde 60 year olds with bedazzled pink pants walk in to cafes and don’t even try to speak Spanish to the workers. I feel like such an asshole for my immediate judgements, especially compared to Paul who just respects them for coming out here and doing it in the first place. This really probably says a lot about my character, meaning that I have a lot more reflecting to do. Better to look inwards than to just stew at having no more chances of solitude and judge people based on their appearances. We will be in Santiago in 3 days, but there is still much work to be done.

Made it down the hill by sunset. My pack is 3k lighter after Cruz de Ferro. Glad for the company I have.

Really hot day today, and aparently tomorrow’s gonna be hot too. I’m setting my alarm for 5:30 to try to get as much walking done before it gets hot.

Also the place next door has bagpipe lessons and I’m very thankful that I do not share my father’s intense dislike of bagpipes.

In Arzúa!

O’cebreiro to Triacastela

Aruza