O Cebreiro - 29.5 km, Samos - 34 km

Friday - O Cebreiro 29.5 km, I had a magical day on the top of O Cebreiro.  The weather was perfect for the task of climbing, a bit of sun and occasionally cloudy.The climb was steady at first until at La Faba it became a very steep and rocky trail. My walking partner for the day was a young pilgrim less than half my age (as was pointed out during the climb). We attacked the steep sections with gusto.  Sweating and puffing my way up that climb was energizing. Loving every minute of it I was also very thankful that there were some less steep sections to allow my heart a few moments to recover before it had to work hard again. The view up the mountain was beautiful and somewhat daunting as it seemed almost impossible to think that we could actually be climbing to the top. Lush green fields all around, and tractors that looked so small your brain tells you it must surely be a toy.  We stopped at the last rest place to refill water bottles and have an electrolyte drink, ready for the final 2.5 km ascent. As it turned out the hardest part was done and before we knew it we were at the top enjoying spectacular views all around. The energy in the small village was enchanting as many happy pilgrim's wandered about, some limping others looking exhausted but all looking satisfied and happy to have arrived. After the usual shower, laundry routine I enjoyed a hot bowl of delicious potatoe soup and the sunny afternoon sitting outside drinking cafe con leche chatting with pilgrims about their respective journeys. (I had a sore tendon above my foot for a few hours but after I rested it seemed to forgive me and stopped hurting. This seems to be a common pilgrim injury.) A wonderful dinner with agroup of pilgrims ended a perfect day for me atop O Cebreio. 
The nighttime sleep went less well with a busy room full of pilgrims, some snoring, others rising at 3:00 am to pack and walk for the day. Onward. 
Saturday - Samos 34km. The walk to Samos was more challenging than expected. Somehow I imagined an easy-ish descent after another small climb. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep but the walk seemed more difficult than I anticipated. The pilgrim route was very busy until a small group of us headed toward Samos, a small diversion before reaching the next bigger town along The Way.   It was good to be on the less crowded, shady and picturesque route to Samos. 
... I have to continue later as I'm heading out of wifi zone into the first rainy day I've had. Squelch, squelch.