Linda walking out of Casa Nuñez this morning.Rejoining the Camino dirt path as we left Fonfria.A few minutes beyond Fonfria, raindrops began to fall from the threatening clouds above us. Linda put on her rain gear but Jim guessed (hoped) it might blow over.The raindrops were non-committal and we continued walking. These handsome cattle seemed to not be aware that there was a decision to be made… one way or the other.We arrived at Biduedo (pop.31) and our traditional breakfast stop was open.Breakfast at Casa Quiroga was predictably good.Linda decided to re-pack her rain gear due to still non-committal raindrops, as we completed our rest stop.We also made our traditional photo op at the Camino’s smallest church, before leaving the small farming village.
Keep in mind, since Cebrerio, we’ve been walking along the top of several Galician mountain ranges in the range of 4000-4500 feet above sea level. Once we walked out of Biduedo, it became apparent how high we were and the challenge we faced today.
Our first view as we walked out of Biduedo.And then even more was revealed.We walked along a ridge for over a mile.Our view off to the right was breathtaking.It was a perfect day for viewing for miles Last year, all we saw was fog… today the view was revealed in it’s entirety.We walked, stopped, then looked, walked, then stopped and looked some more. Each view seemed more captivating that the last.… we didn’t forget to look away from the views occasionally to enjoy the colors along the path.…more colors…… more color and even a bee!Finally, we were reminded we had hard work still ahead, as the path turned downward.Heading down.and down…and down….Two dimensional photos can’t show how steep this was, requiring poles in places to keep from falling forward. Triacastela, our destination, can be seen in the center of the photo, still off in the distance and another 1000 ft below.At an elevation of 3120 ft, we reached Fillobal for a break and a snack and hopefully to greet a friend.The only eatery in Fillobal and, arguably, the best tortillas on the Camino and offering other delicious specialties of the house, we highly recommend “Aira do Camino”.Rosa, our host and friend for multiple Caminos and owner/operator of “aira do camino”.Rejoining the dirt path after Fillobal, we walked among the roots!Continuing down …crossing the road then returning to the path… continuing down from the mountain.…Making way for bovine residents changing pastures in As Pasantes.As we passed through Pasantes, the heavens finally and without warning opened up.Linda quickly geared up for it and Jim, balked, deciding instead to move from one chestnut tree canopy to the next and managed to stay relatively dry as the downpour subsided after less than 5 minutes.Stubbornly, still not wearing rain gear.We gave our regards to the 800 year old chestnut tree in Ramil and continued on to Triacastela.Another feeble attempt by Jim at a selfie as we arrived in Triacastela (elev. 2184)
We stopped at a bar/restaurant/pención for our final stop, called for a taxi to take us to Pintin and Casa Cines, our destination for the day. This saved us an additional walk of 7.2 miles, enabling us to walk another day (tomorrow) after today’s downhill walk… descending over 2000 ft.
We were welcomed like family when we walked into Casa Cines and enjoyed our 7th visit with this nice family and welcoming, generous hosts.
Their traditionally good food and restful atmosphere helped us recoup from our strenuous morning and made for another satisfying day on the Camino Frances.
Jimandi 