Day thirty one

We had been thinking about the notorious segment from Herrerias de Valcarce to O'Cebreiro for some time. "Only 10 K," Tanya noted thoughtfully, "But a straight climb the whole way." We braced ourselves, expecting an unrelenting 80 degree ascent, but it was nothing like that. Uphill, yes, but it was not difficult. Especially enjoyable was the woodsy-ness of the first segment, and, for the first time, we were treated to a rich variety of birdsong. An outdoor concert at first light, on a cold morning, on a quiet path is truly glorious.

The path was a mixture of stones, through which we had to make our way, or dirt, or a combination:





In case you think it is easy to get two Bossies to cross the road to get to the other side, let me tell you, after witnessing such an effort, I can tell you that it is not. One man....




and his dog....




had quite a job.

Conical buildings with sod roofs are a typical sight in this area. Apparently, they are used for storing maize:





A bar, otherwise known as a coffee stop, waiting for customers:





Backpacks and poles need a rest, too:





Big guy with a big load and sore knees:




Potable or not?




The scenery changes again:





Graffiti....it is everywhere:





We reach O'Cebreiro early, since we had only sixish miles to climb (a rest day, essentially) and found a tourist mecca. Two shops selling tchatchkies; for example, this walking stick decorated with Bucky Beaver:





We consider a pitchfork, and, voila, American-Australian Gothic:





Tanya is an intense shopper only she hardly ever buys anything:





Later on I go for a walk and see a creature I have never seen before:





And this one....hmmm...maybe male and female, same species?





A gastronomic specialty of the area is....





It can become cold here very quickly. Sometimes, after the sun goes down, we wish fires were burning already:



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Location:Calle de los Formigueiros,Sarria,Spain