Beautiful clear morning today, started around 8:15 with a straight walk along side the highway to the next town, about 3km. Little did I realise this would be last chance to stop for nearly 15km.
The road went through rolling hills up a valley with a range of large hills on the left and an absolutely huge mountain range on the left. These mountains have been on my left since Llanes or earlier.
The road eventually turned into a muddy, slippery, steep track. This pattern continued all day, paved roads into muddy, steep tracks and back again. At one stage the track was so steep I had to walk sideways down it to protect my toes.
I stopped after about 8km in the shade of a local church, and had my first break. A banana, drink of water and sock change. Getting back into the old methods learnt on previous Caminos. By this time I was soaking wet with sweat, the rolling hills were taking their toll.
This church was in a little village at the end of the valley , it was a 2km up hill climb to get out of the valley only then to go down into the next one.
I saw only two other pilgrims today, one passed me and the other I passed. Both young women walking the Camino on their own. The Camino is very safe.
After walking about 15km with no services I came across a house where the owners had set up their shed/garage and back yard as pilgrims rest stop, they even provide a vending machine for drinks, snacks and cold salads. As well as a microwave and sink with running water, for pilgrims to rest. It was about 6km from my days end, so a good chance to rest and get ready for the final push.
On the walk into town there were many cafes, but none serving Lunch (it’s 2pm)
But I did find one eventually. Full of locals and very busy and noisy. But it was good.
All up today, about 22-23km. It was about 28c, one the warmer days I have had this Camino.
Russ and Jan's Camino 