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- Aug 21, 2023, 10:27pm
- 🌙 24 °C
- Altitude: 469 m
- SpainGaliciaSarria42°46’38” N 7°24’59” W
Fresh energy in Sarria
August 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
I made it to Sarria - the town where most people who walk the final 100km start the Camino. Anyone who walks the final 100km qualifies for the Compostela certificate in Santiago, so a lot of people start here.
It’s interesting to be a few weeks into this experience and suddenly be surrounded by people who are all fresh energy and excitement. In some ways it helps lend some fresh energy to me, too. Thankfully I rid myself of any sense of competition when I offered myself the grace not to walk the whole thing, so I don’t begrudge anyone who is joining the walk now.
I didn’t take many pictures today because I was honestly pretty scared walking from Samos to Sarria. The trail from Samos didn’t reconnect with the main Camino trail for 6 miles and there weren’t any towns with cafes to stop in along the way like there usually are on the main trail. I left late and didn’t see anyone for the first 4 miles. I was glad my legs are stronger now because I basically speed walked for 4 miles while my mind imagined all the scary things that could happen being alone in the woods. At one point I did hear some rustling and two big German Shepard-like wild dogs came running by, but I stood still and they kept running in a different direction.
I was so relieved when I finally caught sight of some people and could slow down my walking pace. I kept telling myself that I never know who’s ahead of me or behind me on the trail to reassure myself that I wasn’t the only one out there, but I was still relieved to actually see people.
I doubt I’ll have much trail to myself now that I’m in the final stretch with all the newcomers. Most people who’ve been on the Camino before Sarria find the crowds off-putting, but after today I’m hoping I find them comforting - like being a part of a big school of fish or a murmuration. It could be nice to just get carried along in the crowd.Read more
Traveler I am actually very glad you are surrounded by people now. Your previous photos, while beautiful, were striking because no one else was visible anywhere around!! Definitely had the potential to be scary and wild dogs added to the mix - YIKES!! I’m glad the new energy will buoy you along in the days ahead - and good food will go a long ways in lifting your spirits! So thankful you are safe!! Love you -
Traveler I like your imagery of being part of a big school the fish. And being energized by the others. Looking forward to your next post! Jay
Traveler I love it!