Marilyn's Odyssey: Barbadelo to Palas de Rei

The last two days of walking have been incredible. To start with the weather Gods have been watching out for us and we have stayed dry even though it apparently rains in Galacia 330 days of the year. We have had periods of wind which is actually welcome as one works up a bit of heat walking. Bo days it has rained once we finish so timing has been perfect. The trail over e last coup,e of days has been delightful. Does not seem to be such a thing as flat here but the ever changing trail and scenery never ceases to keep a smile on my face. We have walked through farms, small ancient towns, forests, alongside wonderful stone walls and beside some meandering country roads. Underfoot changes frequently making it necessary to watch ones footing at times. Today was our longest walk at 24.7kms and I was delighted to feel good at the end of this stage. We have now walked ten days straight and look forward to each morning. Of course at the end of the walk each day we look forward to drinks of choice and some wonderful Spanish food.it is always fun to stop and get Camino stamps along the way as each bar, church hotel etc has their own design.

Yesterday after our walk some of us went to tour the monastery in Samos. As I mentioned previously it is the oldest active monastery in the Western World. The cloisters were stunning as were the paintings all along the walls many depicting heaven and hell quite graphically. The church was majestic and as there was a wedding about to take place it was a very special visit. As there are a lot fewer monks than in the past they now rent out rooms to pilgrims and one floor is reserved as a retirement home but only allows men. Today we visited the Vilar de Domas whos origins go back to the 10th century. It is absolutely amazing to see the treasures within that date back so many generations

Last night we stayed in a 350 year manor and tonight we are at a hotel spa in the countryside where our rooms are in yert like buildings. As the spa was calling I went for a massage and I must say it was one of the best I have ever had. I am so relaxed and looking forward to another fabulous meal.