Day 26, October 6th, Ambasmestas to O Cebreiro, 8.7 miles
We left at 8 this morning and it was still dark. We were dreading this climb, especially when a lot of people had told us that it was a killer! Anyway, we headed out and were on a gradual climb for a few kms. It was very pretty with the river on our left and beautiful green mountains all around. There were a few meadows with cows in them. We even ran into a herd of cows being moved to a different field.
It was very peaceful and cold. The climb started after we left Las Herrerias, which was where we were coming back tonight. It is a lovely little town with lots of traditional houses with lovely window boxes. They also have horses for hire to take you on horseback all the way up.
The climb was kind of a rocky path initially and fairly steep. There were some small villages that we passed to break up the monotony. The views were breathtaking and all this made the walk very pleasant.
The path kept alternating between soft dirt and rocks, so it wasn't too bad. We stopped at the village of La Faba to have a coffee. It was a gorgeous place, with stunning views all around.
After that, we headed out to finish up our walk. We passed the another small village before crossing the border between the community of Castilla y Leon and Galicia.
They have marked the border and also a stone marker letting us know that it was a 100 miles to Santiago from that point!
Within another half km. we got to O Cebreiro. As we entered the village, we saw this vista point on our left. So we walked up there to stunning 360 degree views of the valleys below and the mountains beyond!
We then walked in to the village (lots of tourists getting off tour buses)
and went in to the church. It was a very simple church but pretty.
Legend has it that wine turned to blood and the host to meat because a rude priest refused to let a pilgrim who had walked in the snow, in to attend mass. Anyway, we didn't witness anything as dramatic. There is some belief that this chalice may have been used in the Last Supper.
We got our stamp and then headed out for a beer and waited for our taxi. We happened to see Simonette and her other sisters, which was great! Thaderine and two other sisters were walking 18 miles to O Cebreiro!!!! Superwomen!!
We came to our hotel, El Capricho de Josana in Las Herrerias. It's a lovely hotel and there's a gorgeous German Shepherd named Leon who is just the most darling dog. So all's well and I'm typing two days worth of blogs. Adios! We have less than a 100 miles left and only 7 more days to Santiago!!
It was very peaceful and cold. The climb started after we left Las Herrerias, which was where we were coming back tonight. It is a lovely little town with lots of traditional houses with lovely window boxes. They also have horses for hire to take you on horseback all the way up.
The climb was kind of a rocky path initially and fairly steep. There were some small villages that we passed to break up the monotony. The views were breathtaking and all this made the walk very pleasant.
The path kept alternating between soft dirt and rocks, so it wasn't too bad. We stopped at the village of La Faba to have a coffee. It was a gorgeous place, with stunning views all around.
After that, we headed out to finish up our walk. We passed the another small village before crossing the border between the community of Castilla y Leon and Galicia.
Within another half km. we got to O Cebreiro. As we entered the village, we saw this vista point on our left. So we walked up there to stunning 360 degree views of the valleys below and the mountains beyond!
We then walked in to the village (lots of tourists getting off tour buses)
and went in to the church. It was a very simple church but pretty.
Legend has it that wine turned to blood and the host to meat because a rude priest refused to let a pilgrim who had walked in the snow, in to attend mass. Anyway, we didn't witness anything as dramatic. There is some belief that this chalice may have been used in the Last Supper.
We got our stamp and then headed out for a beer and waited for our taxi. We happened to see Simonette and her other sisters, which was great! Thaderine and two other sisters were walking 18 miles to O Cebreiro!!!! Superwomen!!
We came to our hotel, El Capricho de Josana in Las Herrerias. It's a lovely hotel and there's a gorgeous German Shepherd named Leon who is just the most darling dog. So all's well and I'm typing two days worth of blogs. Adios! We have less than a 100 miles left and only 7 more days to Santiago!!
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