Two...

I took a rest day in Palas de Rei because I was so tired, most likely due to the Benadryl I took the night before, and the fact that the young Spaniards in the dining area just off our room were loud and didn't shut up until 11:00 at night.

But today I made it to A Portela. It's a small "town" near the normal stopping point and doesn't have an albergue, just a couple of small hotels. We stayed in one of them, which took up one of the three buildings in town. The other two appeared abandoned and the small hotel also hosted an unfrequented café and a sort of corner grocery store. It was nice and peaceful, though.

The walk was very enjoyable. I passed through several small towns peacefully. Unfortunately that was only because I had my earbuds in, listening to my phone. Otherwise other people's chatter would have annoyed me. The attitudes of "pilgrims" who started in Sarria or later seems less Camino-esque. They tend to be louder and more boisterous, traveling in small groups, instead of quiet, peaceful, friendly and contemplative. You don't always get a "buen camino" from them either, even if you're the one to say it first. I understand why so many on the forums are annoyed by these pilgrim tourists spoiling the end of the camino experience.

On a lighter note, this little church was beautiful, decorated with motifs. And the corn bin below was also nicely painted.

In one little town there was this neat statue of "dancing" pilgrims. I don't know if they're actually dancing, but I like to imagine they are.

Just one example of a group of new "pilgrims" on the Camino.

This tiny hut on a stand was right outside the church above. I have no idea what it's for, if it's a model or a small chicken coopy, but it was interesting.

I also enjoyed seeing the old well, whether it's for wishing or not, and crossing the stepping stone bridge.

I met a Brit. A lady four years older than me who had gifted herself with ten days on the Camino de Santiago for her birthday. And she was gifted back with many blisters. Sarah has been a police officer for ten years near London. Apparently they have little violent crime and most officers don't even carry guns, just night sticks and mace. Anyway, I met Sarah at the 50km mark and she's the one who took my picture. Like the 100km marker it was covered in graffiti, though I didn't bother to read any of it. We talked for a few minutes before I went into this church and she continued on her way. I did, however, catch up to her again before I reached Portela and we talked some more. One of the best things about this journey is meeting so many people even if I don't exchange contact info with them and never see them again.

And here is the cross of St. James. I'm thinking about adding it and a quote to my tattoo.