I’m starting this Camino in a state of physical and mental exhaustion that I haven’t felt for a long while. It has neen a difficult year, culminating in my decision to walk away from my job before it made me even more miserable. I love teaching, and can’t believe that I won’t be teaching next year but right now I need a break. I mentioned the idea of another Camino to Husbando back in March (when I was on a long jury duty l) and he was more than happy for me to book a one way flight! This trip isn’t quite as open ended as my last one as I need to get back for our middle child’s graduation, but I haven’t decided exactly when I’ll go home.
The flight here was quick and easy. My research told me the bus took over an hour to get into Oviedo, a local told me it was only half an hour, so I save a few euros and got on the bus. My Albergue was right next to the cathedral and the start of the Camino, so after checking in I explored the city, picking up my pilgrim credential at the cathedral, wandering around the streets and grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading back for an early night. The albergue is lovely, but I’ve ended up with a top bunk. During the booking process it stated that bottom bunks were allocated on an age basis, looking at my room mates I was the oldest by about 20 years so can only assume young people can’t be trusted on the top bunk.
I had a slight lie in this morning. I’d forgotten that it was Saturday and that my ‘every weekday’ alarm wouldn’t work, but still managed to leave the Albergue well before dawn. The late night revellers were falling out of clubs and bars and into taxis as I left Oviedo. It was an up and down day today, lots of steep climbs followed by equally steep descents. Much more road than I’d expected, but lots of tricky, rocky paths. I was glad to have my walking poles!
I’d planned to have breakfast at about 8km into the walk, but as I approached the cafe I spied a hand written sign saying that they were closed between 4th and 11th August so I made do with a slightly squashed banana. I have flapjack, tablet and shortbread on my back pack but I am saving them for dire emergencies!
Scenery was limited by the mist. And although not a hot day it was pretty humid. I was very,very happy to find a breakfast stop 17km into my day.
So far this Camino is much less busy than the Camino Frances, the handful of other walkers I have met have been Spanish (and Duolingo really hasn’t prepared me for anything more than eating apples and buying a green dress). It doesn’t have the party feel of the Frances, but is just what I need right now.
I found today’s walk quite tough. My lack of fitness is showing. I got cross with the information boards that told me that Oviedo to Grado on the trail is 23.1km when I knew it was closer to 26km - but secretly hoped I was wrong! I had planned a 30.5km stage tomorrow- but there is no accommodation available to book. I was initially disappointed, but then reminded myself that this is supposed to be fun! My walk tomorrow will be about 22km and will take me to a town with lots of ‘things’ rather than a tiny village with an Albergue, four cows, a donkey and a three legged cat.
Grado is a town with ‘things,’ when I’ve finished my lunch (serano ham and cheese baguette and a bottle of Estrella Galicia) I will go and explore before getting another early night and, hopefully, some sleep.
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