44. Luarca to La Caridad

 Today was a shorter stage, only thirty kilometres, and flatter, and for both of these features I am grateful. In fact, this was the flattest stage of this whole Camino. Don’t get me wrong, there was still close to 500 metres of altitude gain across the stage but in comparison to other stages it felt mild! This was much appreciated as I am still battling a heavy cold and reduced energy levels. The less energy sapped by the walking the more is available for healing, I figure.

As I walked today, I sensed resonances between this stage and many others I’ve walked on the Camino Levante and Mozárabe - winding in and out of gentle valleys, in and around fields in a simple rural setting. It was nice to be reminded of some of those days.

And, of course, there were the inevitable via ducts, each an impressive engineering feat, carrying traffic along the highways of Spain - ‘high’ ways indeed! This one, had a central upside down V-shaped pylon to avoid one pylon being plonked into the middle of the river that ran through this valley. Human ingenuity, in service of the high speed, highly efficient, modern way of life!

This bridge, for pedestrians, had a more rustic feel to it.

No mention of any Australian city on this sign. Nevertheless, I’m feeling a long way from home and looking forward to getting there.

Many of the crops and fields have been harvested now. The season is changing.

Not that the seasons affect manufacturing, the factories keep going. 

The little town I’m in tonight has one cafe that (I hope) will open for dinner, a few shops, a bank and not much else. This albergue (there are a couple) has eighteen beds and not much else. The crew here (it isn’t full yet) are pretty quiet, I think everyone is tired. 

💤💤💤

Tomorrow, is another shorter stage, to Ribedao, the last stopping point before the Camino turns inland for Santiago.