Day 38 – Ambasmestas to Herrerias
The walk today was minimal, just 6 kilometers, to the base of the first mountain of the Galicia region in the Lugo province. It was cold this morning and the sun couldn’t penetrate to the base of this canyon. We bundled up as best we could then biding farewell to our Russisn hosts and the grumpy cat we set out for Herrerias. The plan was to make Herrerias our base camp to prepare for the climb. We weren’t looking forward to it at all. It’s a very long steep climb of about 9 km plus additional distance to our next lodging in O Cebreiro. The altitude change is about a half a mile.
We saw advertised that a guy rented horses in Herrerias you can ride up to O Cebreiro. We decided that considering the steep climb to the tree line we should check into that. So I called him and he will take us up by horseback at 9:30 in the morning for €37.50 each. Yea! This is a big boost to our mental state as the days on the trail are beginning to tell both mentally and physically.
The 6 km walk was short but freezing cold. Our muscles didn’t get to warm up. By the time we broke into sunlight we were at Herrerias. We couldn’t check in for another hour and a half so cozied up to some coffee Americano to warm up. It was warmer at noon when we checked in and still early in the day so we wandered around the village for a couple of hours. It is scenic but tainted by a pair of modern highway bridges connecting hilltops overhead. Even so, much of the village is unchanged from a hundred years ago and the walk through back roads was charming.
It took time to locate the church. We were directed there by a resident Spanish Senor who let us shortcut through his backyard and chickens. The last hundred yards must have been at a 45 degree angle and we had to wonder about how tough these locals are to climb up that to Sunday mass every week.
Hi there! I hope things are going good for you. I just wanted to let you know that Jen Pope, from work, just let me know she is selling those sheets again. Nancy you know the ones I’m talking about. I know you wanted at least one more set but I can’t remember what size you want. Let me know what you want and I’ll order and pay for them for you. Yes, you can do that. If I had not wanted to do it I wouldn’t have offered.
I have been reading about your trip(s) while I eat lunch and have enjoyed the journey with you. Take care.
Dori
King size grey or blue would be great! Have one thought about work and that was yesterday. I do wonder on occasion how you are doing. I did remember your moms birrhday 9-11 but could not remember her age. Our connection on the ‘Way’ is iffy at best. We just crosssd into the Galicia region in the mountains yesterday. Our room last night was cold. We got back to our room tonight in a town 16 km down the road and they have the Radiators turned on. We are thrilled. I think Curt hugged it for 15 minutes. We have about 85 miles to go. Anxious for the end. Starting to think about where we will be going after Santiago. Heard it has been in the 90s at home. We try to FaceTime Caitlin on Sunday afternoons. The seven hour time difference can be diffucit to coordinate. I sometimes chat with her about 1:30 her time during the week for about 15 minutes just to catch up on things. I would ask about work but that might just ruin our conversation. How are you and the the family? See you in about a month! Nancy and Curt