24th May 2024 O Cebreiro to Triacastela

It was a lovely start to the morning as there was not a lot of fog and I could see some clouds in the valley.  We had decided not to ship our bags today so we were not under any pressure to have the bags downstairs.  It is a bit of a funny set up as you can’t go straight to the breakfast area from your room – you have to go outside first and that was a wakeup call!  The air was freezing!  It was a quick transition inside and we were lucky enough to get the table next to where the fire had been raging last night and there was some residual heat. 

Toast, jam and coffee once again then back upstairs to clean teeth and we headed out the door with our breath condensing in front of us.  Out to the pathway we headed up…and up through the edge of the forest and along the roadway before coming to Linares and continuing on to Hospital da Condesa where we thought we could get another coffee but the café was closed.  The track had been continuously rising and would continue until we got to Alto de Poio.  It was actually a more difficult day than yesterday (and we were carrying our packs) so we were quite relieved when we finally got there.

Steve had a problem lacing his shoes properly this morning as his feet were a little swollen and this started creating problems for him on the 600m or so descent down to Triacastela.  He was struggling badly and even changed into his Crocs before Fillobal just to try to get some relief.  Eventually we arrived into Triacastela to find our lovely accommodation with the most wonderful host.  Our laundry was done for us for 8 Euros and freshly delivered back to us, beautifully folded.

The Albergue Atrio also has a kitchen so I headed around to the local supermarket to see what could be reheated and we ended up with Tortillas Patatas and salad again!  Oh well!  Steve ended up sitting outside playing with the owners’ puppy – a cute little black and white one and I think they both enjoyed themselves.