Entering Galacia region on the Camino

Day 26 Ruitelan to A Beso

No Bananas for Me

Wow, today was just incredible! We were requested not to set alarms, and told there would be music to wake us up. At 6:20, there was soft jazz music, and then at 6:30, ‘good morning’ started playing. It was a nice way to wake up. The Host did this on purpose, he timed it so that when we started walking, we would reach the beautiful, forested part of the path once the sky was light.

When I left I could see the mountains looming in the moonlight. It was indeed light by the time I reached the forested path. From there, it was a steep, forested hike to the crest of the mountain, in O Cebreiro. The whole way up there were just incredible views.

My favorite thing was happening, in the distance, three was fog ‘pouring’ over the mountains into the valley. Just incredible. I was so happy and I felt so strong. I was just cruising up the hill. At the top, I took the slight detour to the massive overlook, and unsurprisingly I found Fem there. We have similar ideas about what is awesome.

We walked together to the small town of Hospital de la Condesa, where we went inside for a coffee. It was still quite cold out, even though it was 11am and the sun was up.

Mountains! Amazing.

She left before me, and I wandered the rest of the mountain path alone. I was, at more than one point, pushed off the path up onto a wall or ditch due to cows passing by in the narrow pathway. The view continued to be incredible. I continued to feel very strong.

Eventually, I had to descend the mountains to Triacastela. The descent was very steep and I took it slow. I’m feeling good, but didn’t want to create new injuries. I had been hoping to buy a banana in town, but alas, the siesta meant everything was closed. I continued to A Beso, where I am staying in Albergue El Beso.

This place is very quiet and beautiful. There are hammocks and gardens and fruit trees. The dinner was incredible. So fresh, home made and tasty. The space is really cozy!! The air is cool today. Such a refreshing change!