Off To Samos, And Then Sarría

I woke up this morning because the Italians were rustling a bit getting their bags ready. They weren't really being noisy. I thought ok we've got some early starters here. But I looked at my watch and it was 6:30 am. Holy smokes, I slept 8 hours straight through. That never happens, even at home. I knew I was tired last night, but I didn't expect this. I must have needed it. 

So I picked up my bag and stuff and took it downstairs to organize. The kids were still sound asleep. In fact they were just getting up when I left at 8 am. I ate some yogurt, cheese and bread for breakfast  and had some coffee from the machine. 

Everything seemed fine, and then I started to walk. I took my last antibiotic last night, and I started taking probiotics a couple of days ago. But nothing worked and I was sick again. I just kept walking. What else could I do? I did think about hitching a ride to the nearest hospital, but decided against it. 

So, about this time when I'm feeling sorry for myself, I met this guy creeping across the road. 

He was so cute and fuzzy. The walk to Samos and out of Samos is truly a beautiful walk. 

I see this tree that I think is interesting,

And then this happens

Ovejas everywhere. The shepard was not very friendly, I said the customary, "Hola, Buenas Dias" and he just talked to the sheep. It was probably something about "the crazy gringo woman walking here with a backpack when she doesn't have to. I hope she doesn't scare the sheep."

This is one shot, I could have taken hundreds. Every step I took, every turn of the head revealed something beautiful. 

Most of the walk was along one or more rivers. 

And another cool tree. I was thinking this
old guy has been around a long time, and has seen a lot. 

There was a cool old shed with farm equipment. 

And along the way there were houses cover with flowers 

And a rose. 

Long before you get to Samos you can see the town from above. 

And when you get to the town you cross a bridge lined with these scallop shells. 

There is not much in Samos except an old monastery. I toured it the last time I was there and I don't remember a thing. 

I finally got to Sarría about 1pm. When I created the ridge and saw the city spread out below. I thought, "Thank goodness, the climbing is over for today!" Ha ha ha. I forgot that once you get to Sarría and cross the river

You then have to climb a very steep street and an even steeper stone stair cas to follow the Camino and get to the part of town with the albergues. I had to stop and rest about five times on the stairs. 

On the way up I saw the store that sold Camino stuff. I didn't think they would be open on a Sunday, but the gal said they woman said they would be open until 8 pm. So once I got to the Albergue the question was, is a second pair of shorts worth another walk up those stairs. 

After I got showered I decided to go see if I could find a pair of shorts. There were two dressing rooms at the very back of the store. When the sales person took me back, one of the dressing rooms was occupied and the other didn't have a curtain. I told her to just pull the rack of clothes over the opening and I would be fine. She questioned whether I was sure about that, the other room would be available in five minutes. I assured I was fine with the clothes rack. So I found a pair of shorts that fit, and headed back to the Albergue. 

On the way, I ran into Daniel and Mat. That were with the girl, Rose, who had come from London to walk a week. They were also with a fellow named Mark from Mass. Who is a Bernie fan. I sat and talked with them for awhile and ate thei leftover piece of pizza. 

I also ran into one of the kids from last night. They, like Daniel and his crew are going to walk a few kilometers out of town and find an Albergue. 

Then I went back, wrote this blog and went to sleep.