La Laguna to Triacastela 14.5 mi

September 27th
Started at 6:30 am
Finished at 2:30 pm
Staying at Albergue Atria in Triacastela for the night.

All I can say is what a difference a day makes. We are back Camino! We road that low day only to have a terrific “doesn’t get any better than this” kind of day right after. We’re down - then we’re up again. Phew!

We crept out of the alberque like thieves in the night into a dark night full of stars. We snapped on our headlamps and followed the yellow arrow out of town and down the trail. In about a mile and a half we reached the town of O Cebreiro. I fell in love with this town. We ate a quick breakfast with Suzette and Michell and went outside for a magnificent sunrise. The photos don’t really do the sunrise or the town justice because they can’t quite convey the uplifting feelings we were having in that moment. The town’s buildings were laid out in a flowing and pleasing style coupled with the sunrises’ glow. It really just took my breath away. There was a museum, shown in the video, that if it were a residence I would be tempted to move in a never leave. It had stone rounded walls, multiple meandering levels and thatched roof and was filled with grass woven art. Each art piece was done by a different artist and was perfect in form and function.

The church had a beautiful courtyard and it was aglow with red glass offerings candles lit that morning by other pilgrims. We grabbed a few sticks and lit some with our own thoughts and prayers.

After absorbing that town we went on the trail again. It was light now and the entire valley of patchwork green pastures were laid out before us. Mountains and foothills layered with fall trees just starting to change color. Leaves floating down on the trail in the wind, rustling leaf sounds from the breeze and distant cowbells ringing from the fields. It was really magical and if I hadn’t had Cassie also there with her mouth hanging open, too, in awe of this place I might have thought I was dreaming.

The whole day went like that and when our feet were sore and our heads clear we found our lodging and slide under the covers of soft blankets and passed out. Awake now, we’re just looking around and starting to rouse ourselves to shower and go explore this town that once had three castles that are no-more. We’ll go learn their story and try some Galician food.

Today’s the first time using this journal app that 20 pics and two videos isn’t enough.Read more