DAY 31 To Samos

We awoke from a good night's rest only to find Vic with a swollen right foot.  She broke this foot in 2012 and it took forever to heal.  The swelling is on the top of her foot, different than before.  We had planned to go over a mountain to save two hours to Sarria.  Now we would need to walk around it.  Our guide book recommended we go through Samos.  Since there were a couple of Alberges on that route in case Vic needed to stop, we decided to take the long way.

We  left Filloval and were soon met by cattle.  Several of the calves were very cute.  One seemed to present the same question, "why are you walking?"  I am sure I don't know why at this point.  Perhaps madness has no end.  We are just resolved to walk to Santiago at this point.

We walked into Ramil with its ancient and giant chestnut tree.  A favorite for posers; Vic had me pose.  We then stopped in Tricastela and had a snack.  As we left town, we were met by two Spanish ladies who asked us about the short cut.  We told them we were going to Samos and not taking the short cut.  We left and saw them about 30 minutes later behind us.  They were lost and ended up walking to Samos.

The walk took us next to the Sarria river and through a couple of villages.  Upon entering Lastres we encountered the stampede of the dairy cows.  They were actually indifferent to our passing but did demand the right of way.  We had to cross a bridge to enter Lastres and were soon overcome with laughter when we saw their sign.  Apparently, Lastres is a no pooping kind of village.   We counted five of these signs as we passed through the small ville.  The signs are definitely a photo op for pilgrims.

We were both hungry and tired as we entered Samos.  We couldn't believe the beauty of the Monastery.  The village of Samos was pure eye candy.  Vic's foot was hurting so we decided to find a hotel and stay.  While walking to the hotel we ran into the Denmark gals, Hanna and Edith.  They were staying in the Monastery Albergue and were going to the hotel to eat.  We were soon being confronted by Antonio.  He wanted us to know that the hotel was full.  He was there to save us.  He had rooms at his pension for rent.  Only 35€ a night for a double room with a tub.  He failed to mention the tub wasn't adult size.  Oh well, it was great for soaking sore feet.

We settled into the room and then headed to the hotel for lunch.  We had a mixed salad, gambas al ajillo, and bread.  Quite delicious actually!  We ran into Maureen, a young lady from S. Africa we met while walking today.  Also there was the two Spanish ladies who got lost.  At least we all found the hotel for lunch.  Maureen had also got a room at Antonio's pension.

Hanna recruited us to take the 4 o'clock tour of the Monestary.  She had even lined up an English translates.  Vic and Maureen were in and so was I.  The Monestary was nice.  It once housed 300 monks.  They are now down to 12.  I think the whole no money and no girls policy doesn't sit well with modern man.  You want me to give up what?

That night around 7:30, we were both freezing.  Vic went down to get Antonio.  He came up and said the radiators were cold because everyone had taken a shower and there was no hot water.  He did change my tv channels for me even though I didn't want it changed.  Maureen heard the commotion and also wanted some heat.  We were told to wait for it.

Vic invited Maureen in for wine and chocolate.  She accepted.  We set late and talked.  We shared laughter and confidences.  We were fast friends.  It is funny how you just gel with some people.  We exchanged contact info and called it a night.  Maureen was on a fast pace to Santiago.  She has to get back.  We wish her Buen Camino and best wishes in the future.

As promised the room did warm up.  We both slept well.