Day 73 - Samos a Sarria - September 26 - On the Camino 35 days

Day 73 - Samos a Sarria - September 26 -  On the Camino 35 days

Woke up a little after 7am. The sun is coming up later and the days are cooler, so people are sleeping a little later. I'm still one of the last to leave the albergue.

Decided to fix my own breakfast. Not a good idea before having coffee. I started with burning the toast, moldy jam and unwashed fruit. I may die before I get this posted, but I will die a happy pilgrim. I had a thought the other day while passing another cemetery where a burial was occurring. I noticed that even though the funeral was here in a small village in Spain, the hearse looked the same and the people looked as sad or as disinterested as they would at a funeral in my hometown. So my next thought was "dead is dead no matter where you are." Doesn't everyone have thoughts like this when walking through a magical landscape? I think I'll stick to breakfast in the bars. I can't be trusted without caffeine. 

I got out of the albergue without burning it to the ground around 9am. The walk to Sarria was enchanting. I really wasn't all that excited about the monastery tour or the vespers, but the walk out to Samos and the walk out of Samos is not to be missed. It was some of the most beautiful of the Camino. And the best thing about it is that there wasn't a mob of pilgrims. Since I left late both days, I may have seen two or three people the whole day. It was a nice time of quiet before joining the rushing stream in Sarria. 

If I ever do the Frances again it will be in July/August. I didn't think about it beforehand, but all the children are back in school. There are no youth groups, scouts or children traveling with their parents. In July and August there are lots of kids out here. I miss the children. I got an email from Darlene and Bruce and one from Team Germany. They are all back home and missing the Camino. I understand. We all miss the Camino at some point in time, unless we do what a few people do and choose to stay and make a life here. But I hope to carry the Camino with me when I leave. I have experienced and learned so many more things. I learned a lot last year and this year just builds on that. If last year is any predictor, I will have a whole bunch more to learn from the Camino at home. 

I met Matty and Bruce at the bar where the route from Triacastla and the route from Samos meet up. We had a snack and café. And a lovely conversation. I hope I see them again. Mike and Marion are here. I don't know how this happened because they didn't go to Samos, took the direct route from Triacastela. I didn't get a chance to ask him because he rushed off. He's seemed a little grumpy the last two times I've seen him. Oh well. Not my pig, etc.

I think I'll go check the laundry. It's done. Time to get the pack ready for tomorrow. 

I got to Sarria. It isn't as busy as I expected. It's after five and there are still plenty of beds. I got checked in, took a shower, did my laundry and now I am relaxing. Oh yeah I visited the Bazaar Chino here in Sarria, the one where I got my Star Trek pants last year. But, alas, they didn't have any more so I can't bring any home for you. They are really special. They have a silver lining that keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. And their stretchy. Sorry. I love the Bazaar Chino. It's like the 99cent store, only more interesting. 

Oh yeah, I found my leg here in Sarria. So, it's my lucky town! My leg was at the bottom of my back pack where I looked at least twice last night. I think the bears were hiding it from me. But they deny it. 

At dinner tonight I met a friend of Bill's so we talked for a while after dinner. I didn't want to stay in Sarria and when I got here I realized I didn't check into the albergue I intended to stay in. But my mantra is, "I will get where I'm supposed to be, when I'm supposed to be the." It sure is true today. I also have roommates from the Big Island in Hawaii. They are a mother and daughter. They are originally from San Luis Obispo.