Day 31 - Sarria to Portomarin

We passed the 110, 100 and 90km markers to Santiago de Compostela today.

We now have 89.5km remaining on our journey from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in NW Spain.

This last 110km section of the Camino Frances from Sarria is the most popular as it is the minimum that you can do to receive the compostela, the certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on completing the Way once they arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

In Spain it is important for people to have the compostela on their CVs and therefore many people walk the Camino from Sarria.

As a result the number of pilgrims on the road today swelled significantly. At most times today there were countless people in front of us and countless people behind us.

Moving quickly was difficult as large groups were walking very casually at up to 4 abreast.

Commensurately, the competition for coffee, toilets, meals and beds/hotels has increased significantly.

Worse you can't get any quiet time to water the flowers along the route.

Nevertheless we had an enjoyable day with lots of interesting scenery, some bridges, goats, and yes, more cows.  

The weather was cool and we generally went with the flow, adopting a slower pace than normal.

This suited Vicki as her ankle is not getting better and she is limping along like a one legged person. 

If this keeps up we will have to make a decision on weather to put her in a taxi or put her down. 

Vicki objects to both options and is adamant that she will limp all the way to Santiago de Compostela, provided that I maintain a constant supply of ibuprofen and paracetamol.

We enjoyed our time in Sarra last night. It was a cold night, and although we initially tried to have a drink outside at a bar alongside the river, we quickly had to retreat inside to the warmth.

We then had a pilgrims meal at our hotel. clams, monk fish, cheese cake and Crianza. Probably the best Pilgrims meal we have had so far. 

We stayed late at the hotel this morning and had breakfast, which was also very good, and then got a late start at 8:30am.

Tonight, in Portomarin, we are staying at the Pousada de Portomarin with a very nice room with balcony.

Portomarin is a nice town alongside a significant river/lake. When we arrived, many children were boating on the lake.

The principal notable building in the town is the Church. An interesting feature is the door which has an angel sitting above the right hand side and a devil sitting on the left hand side. The idea being, you choose the angel or the devil depending on weather you want the path to heaven or hell. Consequently the right hand door step is well worn.