Hiking El Camino de Santiago for Cystic Fibrosis: Day 28: Triacastella to Sarria

From my Mom:

Started out late again this morning as we only had about 12 miles to walk. Easy peasy as we've come to say. I'm running out of adjectives for incredibly beautiful, but that's what it was again today. There's a big group of us who tend to meet up on the trail for morning cafe con leche or a snack. The last few days there's been discussion about our mixed emotions with finishing our pilgrimage. We are all very excited, but also starting to get sad about saying good-bye to so many wonderful people. We really all do share an incredible bond out here that is unique to the Camino.

When we started in the Galicia Region we didn't have an idea that we would be passing through so much cow country. Although the smell is intense at times, we still love to hear the cow bells and visit with them. They're so cute! Today we stopped and talked with Anne and two friends named Will and Henry and we all just enjoyed the cows. Can you imagine doing that?

We arrived in Sarria which is the starting place for many pilgrims. If you hike from here to Santiago you receive the same certificate we do. It's a true testament to the fact that the Camino is only about you and not what anyone else does. Steve and I are both a little competitive (Steve far more than I) but you have to let that go out here as there should be nothing competitive about your journey. I think this is why the same certificate is given. It's an internal feeling of accomplishment and it should only matter to you...a tough concept at times.

We have already met many new pilgrims who will start their journey tomorrow and we puffed out our chests and said, well we've already finished 440 miles! Just kidding! We wished them all the best and said, Buen Camino!

One of my favorite Spanish terms is Valle Valle (pronounced volley volley). I love it! It means OK OK. So instead of saying Si, you can say Valle Valle.

Steve's been a real trooper about his shin. I know how painful it is, but I was able to take ibuprofen and work through it. Actually I was told by a friend out here that I took way too much, but hey, it worked!! He's icing it and is taking every drug he possibly can and it seems to be working! We will double up one day and hope to be in Santiago on Weds.

Had a delicious dinner with new friends at an Italian restaurant....all home made fresh ...what a treat. Great time meeting Frank, Christian, Suborgh, and Iris. Nice, easy day tomorrow, too. Only 14 miles!

Our best to all,
S&S