Quiet and solitude was the them today as I departed Triacastela for a 10 mile walk over a mountain pass, then down into Sarria. I was anxious as I began the day because I knew Jeff, my husband, and Gerard, Donna’s husband, would be joining us in Sarria for the remaining pilgrimage. Sarria is the last place on the Camino de Santiago where you can start and still receive a pilgrims credential/certificate. Because I was a bit antsy, I took an alternate route out of Triacastela via Sanxil to walk a more quiet route.

The alternate route is less traveled because it’sva little more strenuous walking up and over the mountain pass, but the scenery is spectacular. The best part is that there were hardly any other pilgrims walking the route. The quiet and serenity were just what I needed to calm my anxiety. While walking up the mountain canyons, several miles into the day’s journey, I came upon a small rock home. As I approached it, I could see potted flowers growing in the sides of the stone house (photo below). What I discovered is the structure is a home and an art gallery. I stepped inside to meet the artist. He was busy painting a watercolor. I looked over his art and all of it was beautiful watercolor scenes from the region and the Camino de Santiago. On each of his art pieces he’d painted, in calligraphy, a scripture befitting the image. On the other side of the home was his bed and living quarters. The man has dedicated himself to art and faith, living a quiet life in the mountains. It was interesting meeting him. I wished him a good day and thanked him for letting me view his world.

I spent the day walking through the mountains in thought about my beliefs, my family, my life. It was wonderful having the quiet time to myself. I only saw a few other pilgrims all day, so I was able to find several spots to stop, have a magnificent view and to think without interuptions.

As I came down the mountain, into the Sarria area, l noticed the cows had changed from a tan color, to black and white. All the cows, as we came into the valley were completely different those I’d seen up in the mountains over the previous few days.

Walking into Sarria I noticed a lovely restaurant in the old stone building. I poked my head inside and saw it was only locals. That’s a good sign for good food. I asked for a menu in my limited Spanish and the lady rattled of the day’s choices, as there were no printed menus. She simply told me, in Spanish, what was fresh and prepared that day. I had her repeat the appetizer and main course choices once again. Feeling proud of myself, I chose an appetizer and main course from the choices she gave me, but I wasn’t really sure what I’d actually ordered. As I finished oredering, she kinda looked at me funny, smiled and walked to the kitchen. When the the appetizer came, it was about 5 small fish, cooked and served whole. I never really know how to eat such fish, sobI just chowed down, ate bones and skin, but skippee the heads and spines. They were actually very delicious. I couldn’t wait to see what my main course was. Well, it was a big plate of fish, lol. This time filleted. It was super delicious, but that’s when I realized why the server looked at me funny when I ordered the fish and fish lunch.

Soon I was in Sarria, checked into my hotel, headed to the train station and met Jeff and Roddy as they arrived by train from Madrid. It was so fun to see them arrive, have a nice outdoor cafe dinner and get excited about walking  the remaining week on Camino all together.

Starting into the mountains via Sanxil

Mountain pass less traveled

Mountain Serenity

Follow the arrow

Artist’s home and studio in the mountains near Sanxil

Flowers growing in the walls of artists home

Artist painting watercolors

Small village house and garden in Sanxil

Small village church

The cows in the valley are black and white.

Tranquil, quiet trail

My fish n fish appetizer, complete with heads

My fish and fish main course