The first hour and a half of today’s stage happened in the dark - a mix of road and bush track. There was a lot of ascending and descending, nothing massive but plenty of steep pinches as I followed a coastal path, which wound up, over, down and through numerous little valleys. Around, 8am we entered a village in hope of finding breakfast. All cafes were closed but there was a big service station on the other side of the village that had a ‘gasolinera’. Bingo!
Every now and then a little beach would appear. On this one, the path came close enough to head down to the water for a photo. Here, I am with David, Eva (from The Netherlands) and Lina (from Germany). I walked a lot with David this past week or so and seen the other two off and on in recent stages. For a time we all walked together today.
During the afternoon, the track felt further from the sea (though in reality it was never that far away).
And eventually, after 39 kilometres, David and I descended into the coastal town of Luarca. It has the feel of an old pirate town. I like it.
🏴☠️
A celebratory ale to conclude the stage.
I am currently perched on a top bunk in municipal albergue of 22 beds, which is full. There are plenty of folks here that I have not to seen before, including a large contingent of older Spanish men and women. I’m not sure if I’ve caught up to them or if they have just recently started walking, from Gijón, for example. A full albergue like this feels full, with people and gear everywhere. No doubt there’ll be stirring fairly early tomorrow morning.
🏴☠️ 👣 🏴☠️
A better day !
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that it was an improvement on yesterday's events.
ReplyDeleteHello Neil,
ReplyDeleteYour cuts and bruises from yesterday don't have a mention, so I am assuming that a night's sleep even in a full house, gave real healing. :) I noticed the figure guarding the entrance to the harbour- intriguing to me. The stones on the beach have such a timeless quality about them, Neil. Ancient.
Such a beautiful and varied set of photos today - from sunrise, through woodland paths, ocean views, harbours, boats, a lovely gateway and the fellow pilgrims along the way - what a lovely story. A week or two ago someone commented that perhaps you might create a book from some of your wonderful Camino photos and musings along the way - what a delight that would be for the armchair travellers journeying with you! Blessings on the next stage. Lyn P
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