Another fine day with sun from the first minute we got up right to the very end of the day.
Quite a short one today as we’ve been doing well and it’s good to arrive at places a bit earlier so that we can actually have a look around as opposed to just walking through them.
I couldn’t help noticing today that a lot of the pilgrims aren’t even seeing the lovely churches they are walking past, especially the younger ones, and this is one of the things that’s very different from last year. It seems a shame but every Camino is different in it’s own way and I suppose that’s just the way of the Del Norte.
Hardly any sign of the sea today as we’ve come a bit more inland and actually we’ve decided to change our itinerary a little and go ‘off piste’ so that we can avoid Gijon altogether. We keep reading that it’s the most boring industrial bit of the Camino and there appears to be a recently created alternative via Oviedo that adds a day onto the walk but is a lot more pleasant. Hopefully it’s the right decision, we’ll see 🙂.
Apricot trees spotted today. There were none within reach but I’m sure we will be able to snaffle some shortly, plus a lot of apple trees which were in reach. Peregrinos perogative I reckon.
Very few bars or cafés on route but we did eventually come across a lovely Casa that was providing coffee, snacks and home made ‘sidra’.
Nice paths for most of the route. A little on road walking but only down country lanes.
We’ve reached the 300 mile mark today. Feet are holding up remarkably well, however I do seem to be putting more plasters on each day.
Villaviciosa is nothing special but there are a few nice buildings in the old town and the Santa Maria church is very nice. I love it in these churches when they play the gentle gregorian type chants. It just makes it all feel so serene and atmospheric, I could sit there for hours just soaking it all in.
Warning !! had some Gambas al Ajillo for evening meal tonight which is basically prawns served in a dish full of bubbling hot olive oil along with tons of garlic. Gorgeous, but apologies if the blog comes with a very strong aroma of the garlic. Hopefully by the time you read this it will have faded a bit 😁😁
Camino Del Norte 
Glad it’s been a shorter day for you, you probably needed it – especially so for your feet if they look like the photo! 😱😂
It’s a shame some of the pilgrims aren’t venturing into the churches – hmm, wonder if the same is happening on your previous route and it’s just the way it is now – just get the miles out of the way to reach the end.
Oh dear! Seems like poor Barbara has ceased up and gained a dog! 😂 If you were over here at the moment you would definitely rust up, lots of rain about! 😱
Lovely view again from your Casa stop! I expect a very welcoming site!
See that Barbara is walking a few steps ahead – I wonder why?! Hmm, can anyone smell garlic? 😂😂
Happy walking for tomorrow! Sue x 😊
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Hi Sue, I think the lack of knowledge and interest in the true reasons for the Camino is just down to the age groups of people walking this one. When I was their age (many moons ago) I would have been the same I expect. St James ?? Who’s that then ?? Where’s the next bar ?? It’s just the way it is 🙂🙂 xx
Derek on Moto G6
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Yes, you’re probably right Derek, down to the age groups on this walk. 😊 xx
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I particularly enjoyed today’s instalment; I feel so privileged to be able to share your journey from the comfort of my sofa! Very impressed that you have passed the 300 mile mark; must be a great morale booster?
Loved the cactus feet, though I hope that both yours are in better shape than these? How much Compeed or similar do you go through on a typical camino?
Very sorry to see the state of Barbara! However she will make a lovely garden ornament on her return to the UK…
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Ha, ha, thank you Val, glad you enjoyed it. Barbara has yet to see the ‘rusty’ comment so repercussions will follow, I fear 🙂. As for how much Compeed, let’s just just say after seeing the amount used by most pilgrims on this walk I think I shall be investing heavily in the parent company upon my return 💲💲
Derek on Moto G6
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Oh, my type of path – a green bridleway. Dot, Ann and I surprised at how green and lush the area is. Our South Coast is looking more parched than the countryside you are walking through. What is their secret?
Maybe you are seeing a different attitude to the camino from the other peregrinos due to the time of year – this is peak walking season – last time you went out of season, in winter conditions, only the most dedicated & crazed would attempt that!
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