Tineo to Campiello

Today is Sunday and we decided last night to make it a shorter stage - a kind of rest day. This was a good thing because as you can see here, Sarah was a little less than enthusiastic for the early getaway!!

But we did get underway in the end, and it was another glorious sunny, still day heading further into the mountains.

We climbed up wooded paths bordering fields that looked over the valley below. ‘How green is my valley?’, indeed!

A glance back at where we’d come from in Tineo.

And a little rest under a friendly oak - so friendly that it had embraced the stone fence marker in its root.

We offered a couple of opportunities for ‘cow of the day’ to actual cows, but they serially turned their backs on us. Thus, ‘horse of the day’!

We climbed to the top of the hill and then walked along a little flat section...

before descending again through more wooded paths. This gnarled old tree seemed to have plenty of character and we passed it three times, as we were misled by awkward way marking looking for ...

the side track to visit the Monasterio de Obona. According to our guide book, a primitive church at this site dated back to 780, and the monastery dates back to the 11th century. It was a mandated stopping point on this Camino by decree of Alfonso IX, and we (Sarah especially) thought we should make the effort of the extra kilometre or so! Which turned out to be a bit more as we backtracked (never a good feeling on these days!).

It’s in ruins now, and shut up, but the place had a very peaceful feel with birdsong and a lovely flowing stream nearby. 

After the Monasterio, the last 5km of this stage were largely on road and because we’d started late today, we were hitting the hot middle of the day. The little village of Campiello was a welcome sight when it finally came into view, as was our beer and tortilla. 

We’re finally working out how to arrange our meal times in Asturias. It seems that the main meal is available as a lunch and afternoon affair - the kitchens close by 3.30 or 4pm. In bigger towns, you might be able to get an evening meal at 8 or 9pm, but in a small place like we are tonight, then not. So were e already enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous Menu del Dia - including the local specialty of potato, silver beet, bean and sausage soup - hearty peasant and pilgrim food! 

Tomorrow it’s a longer stage - over 27km and with no villages after about 4km. We’ve stocked up on lunch supplies and are looking forward to the stunning vistas promised by this day in the mountains.

Buen Camino,

Sarah and Neil