O Cebreiro

The guide book euphemistically informed me that there would be a "strenuous climb", but that it would be worthwhile. After a walk of 20km, the last 8km and the 800 metre climb almost did for me. It was not helped by being told on arrival at a bar 2km from the summit, that there was a fiesta so probably no chance of anywhere to stay. Fortunately I did manage to find a room above a bar just off the main square so was able to enjoy the festivities for a short while before collapsing into my well-earned bed. Unfortunately the rest of the town had other ideas and rather more energy, and the party was still in full swing at 4 a.m. the next morning.

They were celebrating the supposed actual transubstantiation during a mass some centuries ago, following which the statue of the Virgin Mary inclined her head. The statue is still there with inclined head, but as to the rest...?

Now I understand why so many people start the Camino at this point; it just has to be all downhill from here!