Where to start 
? Get a coffee- it’s a long one 
.
Ok there are 3 ways allowable to make Camino – and gain your “Compostella” – the elaborate certificate at the Cathedral Pilgrim Office in Santiago. If feet are not cooperating then you have the centuries old way of Horse or Donkey or a recent introduction- a Bike. Anything else does not qualify- and as I’ve made 650k mark I’m not going to start calling an Uber now ! 
So what to do when I’m in the valley of Las Herrerias de Valcarce and the next day has a notorious climb to O Cebreiro ? Decisions to be made over dinner in the marvellous Albergue Casa Lixa .
Camino makes resourceful people such as Lucia (Parma , Italy) Julia ( Germany) and Maria …. from Astorga but speaks Scouse 
and knows Southport well ! Plus Abby i think (USA )
Decision made ! – oh yes …..
Bloody terrifying but a memorable way to officially enter into Galicia !!!
…….. Into Hilltop village of O Cebreiro and my first taste of Galician “Pulpo” at the top of the Mountain with people I met along the way .
Mika on the right – Icelandic – via Doctor in US army , Neurologist , retrained as Psychologist – genial genius
Robin – Without a word from me – Nurse from Düsseldorf- (accent) Zomething is not right with your foot “Iron” ? ( breaks out Medic Kit 
)
Love Camino people and Robin and Hannah his girlfriend are so typical . They camp as have little money – but share what they have . I repay with Ice Cream and Beer 
.
I’m staying on top of the Hill tonight – it’s super quaint – this is the supermarket!
My Alberque too is really good – friends of Victor – the horse guy – Good man to know 
Next steps ? – the following day I see a sign for bike hire – it’s a clear choice – especially when I see the downhill route profile – Hurrah !
I leave late morning as I have an amazing brunch reunion with Brigitta , Martin , Donna , and Co’ – all too short as I’m cycling and I’ll comfortably cover twice the distance . Swear to meet in Santiago as they take scenic different route to me and I have the speed now to build in rest days .
Onto the Bike – such a comfort – feeling good – beautiful view above clouds
– a few hills …… and yes !! – 20 minutes of happy freewheeling- a 10k downhill into …….. Oops the wrong valley. 
i wondered what those Farmers were waving 
and shouting as I shot past ! . Ok what to do ?
Same farmers 20 mins later – hitch a ride back up – me AND the bike – lovely people .
…. shoot through Triacastela- get word friends having Lunch – lovely salad and Cerveza with Tatiana and Kenny ( Belgian Military attaché – Paris !!) and Carolina .
…. and on another 25k and into Sarria . Pushed it up a couple of hills 
. But feeling fit and back on schedule
– ….big town – yummy sweet things my girls would like 
And into the most hospitable family at Alb’ Casona de Sarria. Booked me another bike , ran me to get foot checked by Doc’s ( all good healing well , no worries , “Bike good , Walk no for 3 days ” – ok I can do that ! , ) nice to get the all clear officially.
Late night coffee and laughs with owners – Sisters – Marcella on right – well after other Pelegrínos have gone to bed . (Rest day tomorrow 
)
Which leads me to now – sat on the corner of Main Street and Callé José Antonio – close enough to John Anthony ! – Cheers Dad 
Where I meet Arnie – coincidence – last seen with his wife Anna in Leön !! We swop war stories over coffee as he broke his foot ! While a small dog takes a liking to mine 
Feeling Good , Feeling Fit …… until next time xxxxx
My boy! Love you & the horse…so many Eeyore stories linked with you & that mode of transport…including an Ol’ To request for some ponies for ‘Dos Cabelieros et Uno Seniorita!’ – with his raised eyebrows, and fabulous Spanglish! Keep well, keep safe & keep blogging.
Love you
xxx
The return of ‘Edwardo ‘ the cannibal horse!😁can’t say you look dead relaxed on your mount Mr. H. !😂
So pleased to hear your foot is healing, I keep grossing people out by showing them the picture! I feel they need to feel your pain! What a fab bunch of people – thank them from me for looking after you. 💕 loads of love determined boy xxxx
Well you’ve certainly put a new spin on the planes, trains and automobiles theme ….. from now on it’ll be Horses, Bikes and Donkeys 😂
Good to see you’re resting those tootsies 👍
Hiiiiiiiii amazing camino pappy chulo !!!!