We leave O'Cebreiro in the mist and a chill in the air. Got our wet gear
on for the first time in 3 weeks. An absolute must is good breathable
water proofs. There is nothing worse than walking when cold and wet.
Water proof gloves is also a good idea especially if using poles.
At Alto de San Roque is a statue of a medieval Pilgrim looking out over
the vast expanse of Galicia and its rich green deep valleys.
Wild boar, bears and otters are among the wild life that roam wild here.
Oh, the medieval pilgrim is the one on the right.
As we descend we can see in the distance the quarry that provided the original Lime Stone for the Cathedral at Santiago.
The mist has cleared and the path takes us through Pasantes and Ramil.
The Camino here is lined with ancient oaks and chestnut trees. The peace and quiet makes this section of the way very relaxing.
All the trees are in full leaf and the rain
last night and the morning mist makes the air cool and refreshing.
Triacastela can now been seen in the distance. So called as it was a
town of 3 castles, but none now survive.
This was an important stopping
place for the pilgrims coming off the mountain and had several hospitals
and an extensive 11th century monastery.
The medieval pilgrims would carry from here as much lime stone as
possible to take to the kilns in Casteneda (which we pass through in 4
days time).
This chestnut tree is reputed to be 800 years old. The chestnuts in
Galicia are collected in November with a celebration called “Magosto”
and were for human and cattle consumption.
We arrive in Tricastela, which has several bars and restaurants but little else, oh and the usual parish church.
We managed to arrive just before a torrential downpour; others we met
in the evening said there was a hail storm on the mountain top - lucky
escape!
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