Tuesday 21 July 2015

JULY 2015 : SPAIN : El Camino del Norte : Day 21 : Aviles - Muros de Nalon (24 kms - 6 hours)

Distance travelled so far : 484 kms
Distance to go :  328 kms

                                        

Today we walked in misty rain. Too humid for Mark but for me I found the pack cover and carrying an umbrella perfect for the conditions. We took some time to find the correct path out of Aviles but there were several groups of pilgrims to follow. We have met some injured walkers, suffering sprained ankles,  inflamed knees etc as it is quite gruelling walking on hard surfaces in the heat. New faces every day.
Note: no bars or opportunities for refreshments until Soto Del Barco.


                                            Cafe in the Plaza Espana open early.


       

           We walked through residential areas for most of the morning.


        

           We skirted around  3 major towns.


                                               

      In Santiago de Monte we sheltered from the rain in the covered cloister of the 12th century church, as pilgrims must have been doing for hundreds of years.


        

               At last...delicious blackberries sweet and ripe....


         

         We were totally out of contact with civilisation today, unaware of where we were and trusting that 
         arrows and shells signposts would take us safely to our destination. Sweet smell of eucalyptus in 
         the rain.

         

          Suddenly we emerged from the wooded paths with a view to the medieval Castillo de San           
          Martin.

          

             Lovely views of the Rio de San Esteban.


         

            Crossing the river we saw huge carp and other large fish.


                                    

    Our last hurrah up the hill into Muros de Nalon - shouldn't have had that beer in Soto Del Barco.


          

     We had booked into Casa Carmina, an Albergue with a difference. Full tonight with about 40 walkers. 16 euros per bed. Great little modern cafe with options for dinner and breakfast.

       

        And there's even the option of a teepee!

       

          A delicious 3 course meal with Danish and German pelegrinos.


M&M

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