On the way out of S I stopped by the ruins of Sarria castle Fortazela de Sarria (photo). To leave the city you have to cross the medieval bridge Ponte Áspera (photo) named for its rough carved stone.
A great walk through forests and farmland. I’ve officially crossed the ‘less than 100km’ mark. Only a few hikes left. Close enough to feel the gravitational pull of home in my heart, most especially for S & E.
P is a riverside town, notable not least of which for the Romanesque fortress church of St John (photo). It was built as both a place of worship and defense. Gives a whole new meaning to St Paul’s advice to the Ephesians! (That’s both a dad/theology nerd joke for which I offer no apology)
As of yesterday, I’d met 13 other pilgrims total. Today I met 18 new ones, which proves the guidebooks right: the last 100kms are very popular.
The other photo is of the ancient, steep, and rocky descent into P. The stones are smooth from the millions of pilgrim feet over 1,000+ years.
