O Cebreiro to Sarria.

Another civilised start at 9am with great views and with a chilly and misty start.

The first down hill ride was, as ever, followed by a lot going up hill. I am still suffering with my post Covid cough and continue to wheeze as I try to breath. The guide took pity and gave me a lift, in the van, up the steepest 1k. My compatriot cycled the whole way!! On route we stopped to view a monstry that welcome pilgrims to stay for the night. As we arrived between 11am and 2:30 pm we were not welcome and told to come back later. This monastery now only has eight monks left in residence, which is not surprising.

We were then taken for the consolation prize of a chapel visit. This was called the Cyprus tree chapel (you can decide why) and this was also closed.

The highlight of today was an eleven kilometre downhill ride. Everyone decided it was the longest they had ever done and the views around the hair pin bends were spectacular. We had a shorter riding day with an early finish, followed by a delicious and very long sociable lunch.

We had free time in the afternoon and after finding our room we settled down for a rest. My compatriot spent some of the time on the phone with family. I tried to shut the conversation out and read Timmy Mallets book about his cycle from Maidenhead to Compostela Santiago via the Camino Way, and then I dropped asleep. I was rudely awoken by someone from the Canal & Rivers Trust telling me we had a boat that we manage about to be empounded for some indiscretion. I told them to email me and I would try to sort the problem out on Monday.

The evening was spent exploring Serras, having a drink in the park, but not with the down and outs. Then later we found a lovely buzzing tapas restaurant. While we sat and ate our meal other members of the cycling group gradually arrived.