So we headed out for a short 11km walk to Samos today. We both looked forward to a wander through the trees and some fresh country air with a visit to a new village. The trail was beautiful and green with a few seemingly abandoned villages enroute. The weather was clear but cold.

Samos is an alternative route to Sarria and neither of us had been there before. It is known for its extra large Monastery which was originally built over 1000 years ago and has a long history as a Benedictine centre of learning.

The walk through the villages was very quiet and it seemed very remote especially because we didnt see another pilgrim until we arrived in the village and the Dutch man of Castorejiz arrived behind us.

After checking in to our pension we headed over for a tour of the Monastery which was given in Spanish however as we were the only participants we could ask a few questions as we went even if we couldn’t understand the answers! Suffice to say the place was quite spectacular.

Apparently only 7 monks still live there!

After a meal at the local bar we had an early night. Michelle was heading home tomorrow and I would stay in sarria ready to start the last 100km push to santiago.

Buenas noches.