Day 38. Alto de Poio to A Balsa

Looking forward to a short day. We left in a dense fog this morning. About 50 degrees and misty. It finally cleared after we had our first breakfast. The trail had loose gravel and slate rock on a steep descent. We made it to Tricastela, one of the larger villages. Found an ATM to withdraw some money. Was afraid there would not be any in these small villages and it is a Saturday. As we left town, we saw a very old building. The door was open and a man was sweeping the floor. He directed us to an English version of what the building used to be, a smelting shop in the Middle Ages. As we kept going, we passed pastures with cows and their calves. One group had 10 babies laying around. Walked by a barn and a donkey put his head out. He let me rub his head. Our Alburgue is in A Balsa, called El Beso. It is a vegan establishment. Very rustic. We were the first to arrive, so we had our choice of bunk beds. This time we both took a bottom. Had our showers. The shower had a button you pushed for lukewarm water that lasted 15 seconds, then you keep punching for more water. This is the first one like this that we have come across. Today we walked 10.35 miles (23711steps). Our last sign said we were 131 km (81 miles from Santiago! One of our friends from the start of our journey, Rachel, got in today and she sent me a picture. She is 76 years old and did it by herself. She is from Indiana! Wish we could be there with her!
Today I’m grateful for an easy day, grateful for my friend Rachel finishing her Camino, and grateful that I was able to talk to both my son and mother!Read more