The sunrise was magnificent, we just happened to be in the wrong place. However life became a lot better when we got to the bar at the top of Alto do Poio. I had my usual breakfast fix of everything CCL+Z+T... even two cups of coffee. It was delightful in the early morning sunrise. Today I was trying a different technique, instead of having a long lunch break I tended to have a quick one, to get to the next Albergue and then 'hang out'.

So I thought I would try something different so agreed to join the two girls for lunch. I walked on as I have a different pace to Ana and Sabina. The countryside in the morning was magnificent (as it was in the afternoon after a road side journey.)

I feel here it is worth talking about the dogs you meet on the way. In France they were chained up or fenced and always barked. Here they have more 'grims going by, so as long as you do not come into their farmyard they eye you with total indifference. I notice having a siesta was their main pastime. Perhaps dogs get their national cultural traits from their owner?

Lunch was taken in the village of Triacastela. Knowing the dangers of overeating before walking I shared my lunch with Ana.

By the time we set off in the afternoon it was still hot. Apart from a small mishap of me falling down on a cow dung smoothed road (saved by the very extensive first aid packs carried by the ladies) the second part of the afternoon's walk  was through pleasant green countryside. We could have been in Surrey or Ireland.

We arrived at Samos Monastery at 6pm.... hence the picture with the low sun, feeling tired.

My reflection on the day's walk is I would rather stick to my existing system. We have time for a quick shower then off to Vespers...very disappointing, first of all the 14 monks that live here are not going to produce the next Gregorian chant CD.

 The other thing is that the church was so huge that there was a total disconnect between those singing and the congregation. A lot of 'grims talk about some great experiences in the smaller monasteries, my time at Conques will remain a big plus in my life. Samos was not such a place.