After another great truck stop dinner in Trabadelo, we started off the next morning for what would be perhaps our shortest walk; 8 1/2 miles. We were on the lower route that gave us some interesting views of the highway and other objects above .

Soon into our walk we were joined by a young man and we enjoyed a great conversation. He was on the Camino to figure out somethings about life and relationships, and we shared our “wisdom”. But at one point we had to qualify our advice by saying “ keep in mind, you are talking to two of the luckiest people in the world”. That must have made an impression as later that morning when we met up with his partner, we were introduced as the luckiest people in the world. After coffee we parted ways more enriched by the conversation. Sometimes just saying it out loud helps you crystallize it in your mind.

Along the way I found a very old and small church hoping to follow through on the previous days commitment. Beautiful alter but no candles.

As we came into our destination point for the day, Las Herrerias, I spotted another church.

But first things first. We had to be officially greeted on entering the village, do laundry, and eat lunch.

So with all of that out of the way, I found the church, but it was all locked up.

I walked to the edge of town and found a very nice restaurant, and Becky soon joined me for dinner and great views.

On our walk back we had a flashback to the past and the path not chosen.

The next day would be a long one for us, 19 kilometers with the first eight being a 2400 foot elevation gain. But we had a PLAN.

So this morning we were met by the most glorious sunrise.

And then we were met by our secret weapon.

There were four of us and our guide Victor, a larger than life personality who walked along side the horses the eight kilometers for what would be the first of his two trips that day.

Not many pictures to share, but the views were awesome. It was nice to be able to look around and not be concerned with your footing. Along the way it hits you; beautiful scenery, great people, horse back riding in Spain. We ARE the luckiest people in the world! At the end of the eight kilometers we arrived at the elevated village of O’Cebreiro. There we had lunch, settled our bill with Victor, and found a church; one of the oldest in the state we had just entered, Galicia.

Unfortunately a wedding was about to start so I took the picture from outside and stayed out of the way. I did not want to be THAT pilgrim. The candles will have to wait another day.

Since we had let the horses do the work, we were ready to walk and knock out the next 11k. Views were awesome

At a high point was a statue where we had a little fun.

As we walked through one very small village the confidence displayed by the local guard dog was inspiring. No need to over react. If needed he would address any situation, but until then, the eyes could remain closed.

Galicia is known for two things. We had already sampled the beautiful scenery and now we had the opportunity to experience the other; Rain. Luckily the heavy rain waited until later in the evening. The rain we had to walk through was gentle, but warranted a poncho.

Another milestone, less than 100 miles to Santiago. Two days to Sarria and the final stretch. The mixed emotions are starting sooner than I thought, just part of being the luckiest people in the world.