Day 31 (June 10) San Mamed do Camiño to Portomarin (16.5 Miles)
This morning, after an hour’s walk, I arrived in Sarria. 
That town is known as the starting point for the largest number of pilgrims. The reason for that is, in order to get a “Compostela”, the official certificate from the Catholic Church for completion of the Camino, you must walk a minimum of 100 kilometers. That is the distance from Sarria to Santiago. I have heard that Spaniards like to state that they have a Compostela on their resume, proof that they can complete arduous tasks. (100k =62 miles, come on?) For that and many other reasons, many people seem to have hopped on at Sarria.
As I walked through the town, I saw large groups of people, with small packs, being lectured by their leaders. I ran across some of those groups on the trail, including a group of American students who had paid for an escorted package trip. I’m sure they’ll have fun, but seriously doubt any spiritual benefit. But, as they say, everyone does their own Camino. The downside for me is a crowded trail. 
I walked in rain and sun today. When your shoes and socks are soaked through by 10:30 am, what can you do? I say, follow that great Korean tradition of eating while walking in the rain. A Snickers bar (the official trail food of the Appalachian Trail) cheered me right up.
The sun came out and I had a lovely afternoon. I saw lots of dogs that reminded me of our old pooch, Neal. German Shepard variants seem to be the favorite here. One LITTLE lady was out walking her dogs and I asked to take a picture. She was thrilled, though the dog didn’t seem happy to pose. 
Others were camera ready.
The best experience of the day happened unexpectedly. I had run across several “donativo” stands, offering cookies, yogurt and fruit during the day. They were lovely and, had I been hungry at the moment, I would have stopped. Late in the afternoon, I saw another one, with a sign offering free food, free drinks and free WC. That caught my attention. As I slowed to look in, a man came out, took my elbow and guided me in. He immediately put a full sized plate in my hand. I said no, no, baño! And off I went. When I emerged, he had found two new candidates, American sisters from North Dakota and Colorado. He gave them plates and filled them, without asking, with various homemade specialties. I had never seen anything like this on the trail. His buffet table was covered with rolled crepes, slices of empañada, ham, cheese with quince paste and many other things. 
The sisters were seated and he was pouring them water, as if they were dining at the finest restaurant. Meanwhile, his wife was yelling from the kitchen and he went to retrieve another freshly made treat for the table. I have no idea what calls these people to serve pilgrims in this way. Perhaps they turn a profit from the donations. In any case, it makes everyone very happy. 
I arrived VERY tired in Portomarin at 4:30, after starting at 8:00. I dallied a bit with stops, but it was still a long day. And, I was tired when I began the day. I just don’t sleep well without sheets.
I had pulpo (octopus) for dinner and am off for an appointment with my sheets tonight. Buenos noches. 
Trish, your wonderful blog confirms my longtime belief that travel restores one’s faith in humanity. The gifts and acts of kindness that you have experienced, as well as shared with others , deliver such a positive message for us all. Many of us hang on your every word! Cannot wait to hear even more about your journey , in person, when you return!! You look fabulous in your latest picture with one of your many new friends!!! Lots of love, Liz
A wonderful and uplifting post. Thank you Trish.
Happy sleep ! XX and nighty night ! XX
YEAH, 62 MILES. REALLY! LOVE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.
SO CLOSE NOW. YOU ARE AMAZING. HAPPY TRAILS.
Dear Trish,
Can’t believe how close you are to the finish! Will you miss the Camino? Maybe not at first. What amazing gifts have rewarded your courage! I hope the last 50 miles will be the best! Carry on, brave pilgrim!
xoxo
Pat
Trish
I bet you know your Sam sighting of the day!
xo
M
Hi, very nice website, cheers!
——————————————————
Need cheap and reliable hosting? Our shared plans start at $10 for an year and VPS plans for $6/Mo.
——————————————————
Check here: https://www.good-webhosting.com/
I have noticed that in old digital cameras, extraordinary devices help to {focus|concentrate|maintain focus|target|a**** automatically. The sensors regarding some camcorders change in in the area of contrast, while others make use of a beam with infra-red (IR) light, specially in low lighting. Higher spec cameras sometimes use a mixture of both programs and will often have Face Priority AF where the digital camera can ‘See’ any face while keeping focused only in that. Thanks for sharing your notions on this blog site.
Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to know a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you can do with a few percent to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
Thanks for your write-up. Another issue is that being a photographer entails not only problem in recording award-winning photographs but also hardships in getting the best camera suited to your requirements and most especially struggles in maintaining the quality of your camera. This is certainly very real and clear for those photography enthusiasts that are in capturing the actual nature’s fascinating scenes — the mountains, the forests, the particular wild or perhaps the seas. Visiting these amazing places certainly requires a camera that can live up to the wild’s unpleasant surroundings.
I have figured out some new issues from your web page about computer systems. Another thing I have always thought is that computers have become an item that each family must have for some reasons. They supply you with convenient ways to organize households, pay bills, shop, study, tune in to music as well as watch tv shows. An innovative solution to complete many of these tasks is to use a notebook computer. These pc’s are mobile, small, highly effective and easily transportable.
Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Along with every thing that appears to be developing inside this area, a significant percentage of opinions are actually quite exciting. Nonetheless, I am sorry, but I can not subscribe to your entire plan, all be it exciting none the less. It appears to me that your opinions are not totally justified and in reality you are generally your self not even completely convinced of your argument. In any case I did take pleasure in examining it.
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I may I want to recommend you few fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles regarding this article. I want to learn more things about it!
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?
I?m impressed, I need to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that?s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve got hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the problem is something that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I am very completely satisfied that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing relating to this.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think about if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this site could undeniably be one of the greatest in its field. Good blog!
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.