20. Day 16 - Samos to Portomarin

Well after our big day yesterday we were looking forward to a relatively easy 35k ride and that was how it started as we covered the first 12k in just under an hour and enjoyed a coffee at a nice spot in Sarria. Then after a few more k's calamity struck when Rhon's bike gave up the ghost on a long climb. To be precise the rear derailleur, which had been giving problems for a while just stopped working. This really is the final straw in an ongoing saga with these bikes and the rental company is going to get some really nice flak from me when we get back. They have plenty already but nothing compared to what they are going to get. Anyway we were lucky enough to flag down taxi and a really nice driver took his passenger to her destination close by then came back and took Rhonda and her bike plus our bags 24k onto the hotel where we are staying. Pat, Jenny and I completed the next 24k which wasn't as easy as expected but overall we covered 36k in just under 3 hours so that wasn't too bad. So tomorrow Rhon and I will take a taxi back to Sarria (24k), get the bike fixed then take another taxi onto Sambreixo where we are staying for the night. Pat and Jenny will continue on the bikes for tomorrow's 30k leg. As of tonight we have broken the 100k hurdle and now have only 94k to go.
Well, as Barry has already said, a disappointing day for me and my bike today! The saving grace was arriving at Portamarin early enough to have a relax and then explore the town. Sarria, where we passed through earlier is the start of the Pilgrimage for many people as it the minimum (that you have to walk to get your Compestella) - So, lots of fresh faced walkers and quite crowded in Portamarin as this is the first stage for these new Pilgrims joining the Camino. We were lucky to be here in autumn as it is the only time that the reservoir is low enough to see the ruins of the old Roman village and the old Roman bridge over the river Mino with some of the remaining arches still visable. Portamarin also has a Romanesque fortress-church dating back to the 13th century. I managed to amuse myself and to even order lunch in Spanish until Barry' Jenny and Pat arrived about 4pm. Jenny has just been invaluable with her fluent Spanish and gotten us out of many a tricky situation.