19kms but today we will journey further as we are backtracking a 1/2 km to a 4km (round trip) detour to discover Vilar de Donas established in the 12th century and an ancient seat of the knights of Santiago. The custodian of Vilar de Donas aged 83 was very knowledgable and passionate who spoke little English. Fortunately an Italian couple arrived at the same time and they spoke a bit more more English than he did; a bit. This area....word has it is the mythical...

21 km walk today forecast rain late morning gradient steep at times in places a mix of dirt,gravel,stoney and tarmac. Leaving Portamarin was a tad sad as it was so beautiful we felt like royalty. It boasted a pretty plaza with the Church of San Juan at its centre, window planter boxes and cafe con leche, meeting up with new friends. It was also interesting to note that Potomarin is a new town; as the original town is now under water as a result of the river bei...

Just a short blog today as all we did was walk. Met Wayne from Cornwall and Adrian from China who is studying mechanical engineering in France and of course Norell and Ian (again as they swept past us) Sighted a super huge slug which looked like a snail without its shell about 5-6cm. Then surprise, surprise, out in the middle of 'rural nowhere' amongst the cows, sheep, horses, and donkeys; an emu!! Yep, not your every day household pet. There are a lot of dogs ...

Hola. This is our last day in Sarria before we start the Camino proper tomorrow. Neither of us slept after 4am as our imaginations were filled with excitement and eager anticipation. Headed down for breakfast at 8ish. Met up with one youngish American woman who was travelling with her mum (she was waiting to give her mum a generous 'head-start' before she strode off to catch up with her!!). We also met an Auzzie couple; Norell and Ian; who thought our accents pla...

Lo siento mi espanol entiendo came in very handy today. We met up with Gloria and Teri from California again and again always showing up at the right time (made their acquaintance at Santiago airport) fluent speakers of Spanish when we went to buy a sim card (initially we bumbled our way thru) and with a little help from our new friends reentered the shop this time with success. Earlier this morning at 11am when Sarria awakens we made our way to the Magdalena to...