April 22, 2017
Today did not go as planned at ALL. First of all, there were 2 routes to get to Barbadelo, one being 6.5km longer. I was planning on doing the shorter route but alas, I accidentally went the other way. This was the first of two big “mistakes.” I put it in quotes because I don’t really believe they were mistakes.
After I found out I was on the other route I realized it was a blessing in disguise. I wanted to hike alone and I definitely hiked alone today. For 12km I didn’t see another pilgrim. But I’ll cover that in a minute.
I got to see an old Benedictine Monastery. It was founded in the 10th century (I think?) but the actual structure was only a couple hundred years old. It has caught fire multiple times and had to be rebuilt atleast twice. It was a lovely treat after realizing I would do 29+ km.
You might have noticed my total mileage was not 29+km though. That is because I heard there was a shorter route, taking the highway. A girl from London showed me her guide book and it had her going the highway and save over 3 km. I would soon find out why my guide book did NOT suggest this.
Basically, I walked 12km along a curvy highway. With no pathway, and about a foot between me and the cars. And when I say highway, I mean it. The speed limit ranged from 60-80km/hour. I basically sprinted (well a walking sprint) the 12km. I kept looking at my clock, counting down the minutes till I didn’t have to fear for my life. At this point I realize I will probably receive a couple messages from family members yelling at me. BUT I swear I didn’t realize there was no path!
When I arrived to the city of Sarria I was desperate to find some people to hike with. I had ENOUGH of hiking alone for the day. I was so happy to meet up with Michel, Dai, Matej and Jessi for the lasr 2.5 km.
And then we got to the albergue and it HAD A POOL! I had so much stress today that jumping in a freezing cold pool was so relaxing. And nope, no sarcasm there. We played around in the pool for a couple hours and then I decided to read the last chapter of my book, The Art of Loving. A friend of mine, Liam, got it for me and I’ve been reading it along the way. And I finally finished it!
We then gathered for dinner. And when I say we, I think we had 16 people at dinner. I don’t even know everyone’s names. Somehow we started playing a game where you are given 2-3 facts and you have to solve a mystery asking only yes/no questions. It was hilarious. Michel and a girl named Eva, also from Germany, DOMINATED these games. I swear it’s in their blood to decode these mysteries.
For the third night in a row, I couldn’t fall asleep easily. Even took my blanket to walk around and sit by the pool at midnight. It was lovely laying under the stars until I heard something move in the bushes. Haha! So I scurried back to my bed to try to fall asleep.
Until tomorrow, cheers my friends! (Will update later with more photos, don’t have good enough wifi 😩)
Cool little building along the way…
The beautiful Monastery I got to see…
Got my cafe bombon!! So much condensed milk!
My face when I finally got off the horrible curvy road…
Michel and Dai hanging out in Sarria!
View of Sarria, not my most favorite town. A lot of people start their Camino here since it is a big city right outside the 100km mark (you must complete at least 100km to get a certificate, aka Compostela) But arriving meant I was off that road so I was grateful to see it! 😍
I guess you could say I was a little excited 😂
Our dinner table!
Michel and Eva’s tan lines from their watches 😂
-Ashley
El Camino Chronicles 
I’m very thankful you made it safely along that highway, that must have been terrifying! I do however love the pic of you two jumping into the pool! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah it was terrifying. I was shaking, so glad that’s over!
And the pool was incredible. It was such a treat. 🙏🏼
LikeLike