Camino Day 1: Sarria to Portomarin

Despite going to bed after 1 am, we managed to get up and ready to walk our first day of the Camino by 8:30 am. Here are some sidewalk signs as we left Sarria showing us the way:





We followed the arrows and signs out of the city and crossed the bridge:

It was hazy and warm in the morning and it began to actually cool a little as the sun started to shine through.









There were times where we were with lots of people or none as the groups ebbed and flowed. Here’s once when there was a crowd:



And we posed with the signs some more:

After about an hour of walking, we stopped for breakfast in Baradelo, where we also picked up scallop shells to place on our backpacks.

As we walked through tree tunnels, we enjoyed the Spanish countryside with the waft of smells from the farms, like the cows and manure. Mary Ann declared it was all natural.







Here are some selfies even one with sheep:





We definitely pulled a rookie first day move with not enough resting, as we hit a wall and couldn’t find a village restaurant in sight for lunch. We were grateful when we found Mercadoiro which was just under 4 miles from Portomarín at around 2 pm.

Here we met an Irish couple who gave us some tips on how to order - we shared a goat cheese and honey and a ham and cheese sandwich paired with lemon soda:



They also had lounge chairs looking at the countryside where we rested for about 20 minutes:



After resting and for our last hour of walking, we trudged on with the Spanish sun out in full force. I definitely have a sunglasses and farmers tan from the day. We passed this shop which said in Korean they had spicy cup ramen. I heard there were many Koreans who do the Camino and I saw a few today.



On our approach to Portomarin, you could see the Minho river:

And then we had a little adventure coming down a steep climb - Mary Ann promptly reminded me of our hiking in Machu Picchu which was also steep:

But we made it down and took this selfie right before the bridge crossing:



We arrived in Portomarin and had to consult maps to figure out where our hotel was and walked through the village:







But we found La Casa de Manuel where our luggage was waiting and fresh towels. We had paid 20€ each for a luggage forwarding service where they bring your luggage to your next stay. There are many services, but I selected Correos.

We then headed out for dinner. We meandered the streets and decided on the restaurant next to the plaza and church where we had beers and price fixe pilgrim menu which was very cheap.

We then decided to to take this ridiculous selfie in front of the pilgrim statue. You can see we are all at our best:

I think that’s what over 24 km / 15 miles of walking will do to you and we do it all again mañana!