O'Cabreiro to Samos

We were riding up the Valcarce valley between Villafranca towards O'Cebreiro and stopped for a mid morning coffee at a local cafe. Some one had been doing some guerrilla crocheting and the trunk of the tree outside the cafe was colourfully decorated.

Another picture of my horse for my journey to Santiago, Lucena, eating her breakfast of oats at the side of the road at Trafadelo.

The scenery is similar in some ways to Swiss or Austrian alpine views with small valleys and steep sides.

The flat valley bottoms are rich pastures with milk cows grazing contentedly.

There are some interesting cafes en route but the valley is a major link in the road network and whilst the villages are now free of major traffic with huge investment in levelling and straightening the road for modern needs,, the main road is never far away.

In the centre is a container lorry high above us which may give an idea of the size of the viaduct.

Meanwhile we were letting the horses have a break and taking one for ourselves.

Then it was over the ridge approaching O'Cerbeiro and some excellent views down the valleys on both sides but the photo opportunity was on people rather than the view. And just to be sure, it is me on the horse in the centre of the picture.

And another photo of Lucena who has carried me so far with no problems.

And the village of O'Cerbeiro looking down from where we left the horses for the night.

                                      
The ancient church in the centre of the village.

A replica of a Roman house in the village.

The evening meal, a speciality of the house which is not in the menu, on the left is pork medallions, chorizo and kale, on the right is pork, bacon, chips and eggs, both presented as traditionally local dishes but huge amounts as this was meant for just six of us.

I just couldn't not publish this photo showing how a traditional mounting block had been replaced with a pair of step ladders.

We stoppe at a cafe for a mid morning coffee and there was a giant dog there. Its head was above the level of the table and it used its height to its advantage. If you left you meal unattended for a moment it would be gone. He knew he wasn't allowed to eat customers food but he had it all worked out...if no one shouted at him in the first few seconds, that omelette would never be seen again.

And finally a couple of views of the oldest and largest monastery in Spain at Samos.

And out stop for the night.