Pilgrims End

Another big day. Sarria to Santiago de Compostela with barely an inch of flatness on the entire route. And the temperature was, once again, going to soar beyond 30 degs. 

We rolled out of the campsite about 8.45 & down into Sarria for a spot of desayuno. Then west on the Comino & straight into the first of the climbing. A staged climb of a few hundred metres before a lovely fast tree lined decent to the lakes beside Portomarin:

Continuing on for several miles after Portomarín, on yet another staged climb through pretty countryside, we eventually stopped for a bit of light refreshment. Then more uphill on a sawtooth profiled route along the Comino. We were on narrow roads for much of this section, mixing it with lots of walkers. It was also getting much hotter. I was ready for stopping again by Palas de Rei, but we elected to press on & almost paid the price with dehydration when no opportunity to refill presented itself for several miles afterwards. Kev bailed out off the main route & into a village - unbeknown to Neil & I at least - and found somewhere, whilst the rest of us took on fluid at a petrol station & then moved to a nearby restaurant in Melide for pinchos & ice cream. Kev caught up with us there. 

We set off again with about 25 miles still to do. It was red hot & the wind was in our faces. I eased up, fearing dehydration & soon realised that i hadn’t drunk enough. I had to stop again after about 10 miles & sort myself out as I feared hallucinating! Fluids & a lay down for 10 minutes & I resumed the slog having messaged the boys to tell them I’d see them at the campsite. As it turned out I linked up with them again at the top of the climb approaching Santiago, as they’d also taken a break. 

So we ride into the city on a right tortuous route. A vicious little back road that snaked through Vilamaior, chucking in 3 or 4 15%+ climbs for good measure. Walking was a perfectly exceptable option & taken by one of our number. 

Eventually, the decent in Santiago de Compostela came & we arrived at Camping As Cancelas at about 6.30pm. All thoroughly knackered, we laboured to put tents up, before having a swim in the sites pool, which was good. The facilities & evening meal were also rather good

A very tough day. Perhaps too tough! Made for a good nights sleep though, which shows that the legs are getting accustomed to the efforts. Day off in the city tomorrow 😅