After a token 25m on the via de la Plata, we turned left onto the Camino Sanabres which will take us to Santiago. We’re done with things Roman – as far as I know – but it was a meaningful historical overlay to the walk so far. It also means that the sunrise will be at our backs, so maybe there will be fewer sunrise photos from now on.
The countryside was pleasant as we gradually climbed away from the meseta. While it wasn’t windy, clearly it often is as there were rows of turbines on the ridges.
Today we deviated from the marked trail. After crossing the 1920’s replica Roman bridge, we had the choice of scrambling around the ricky path, or following the road, which the official sign declared was “mas facil”. So we happily took the easy way along the road (or more accurately, up the road). It didn’t make the distance significantly shorter, but it was certainly easier walking, as we arrived at the albergue ahead of all those who had started out before us!
Tabara is quite a sizeable town. It was Saturday market day, but it was just wrapping up as we arrived, and we didn’t really need any cheap knock-off clothes or shoes, let alone large sacks of onions, red peppers or live chickens. It’s claim to fame is the monastery, home to 600 or so monks back in the 900’s, among whom were Emeterius (the apprentice) and Magius(the master) who created the Beato de Tábara, a monumental work of calligraphy and illustration which is regarded as one of Spain’s most important medieval books. It deals with the cherry subject of the biblical apocalypse!
Tonight’s albergue is another ‘donativo’ run by a very gracious host, Jose, who provides both a communal dinner and breakfast, and refuses any offers of help either in preparation or clean up.
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