Rain off and on and many puddles to navigate! Another awesome day on the Primitivo! I called and made reservations at Casa Herminia. This was a difficult decision as most of our group last night was going to go on for an hour and stay in the next town. The reasoning was sound, it was a public albergue so super inexpensive and more importantly tomorrow is the most difficult day of most caminos ( o they say).
We have two paths, a lower with a break spot half way and a higher, longer, with no spots. We are going to take that route. Many things going against us though, rain and a starting point an hour before the best place to depart. I am so thankful for my decision. Campiello is a pilgrim hamlet. Great spot! Great food! Very welcoming!!!
Tomorrow we do the Hospitales route!!!! Named for the remains of three pilgrim hospitals from long ago!
I forgot to tell the story of Chispa, the beagle yesterday. You might have noticed her proudly walking with us in the morning. Normally I’d panic if a dog followed us, but Jordi and I agreed this was a beagle and their nose wouldn’t fail them!
This pup led us to our first cup of coffee, at the house near it she got on her hind legs and looked over the wall convincing us she knew who was there. It ends up the cafe knew her, this was her third time coming. The last was several months ago and they said the owner didn’t come for her for three days at which time time she stayed at the house whose wall she looked over. The owner of the cafe said she wanted Chispa and Chispa didn’t want to get in her owners car. It was heart breaking. She is featured well in the video Jordi made!
The Monastery has an arch that is 1,000 years old! Attached are pictures and a sign that discusses the art on it.Tonight we stayed at the famous albergue of Bodenaya!!! It includes the greatest welcoming, communal meal and true celebration of pilgrimage!
Behind on my blog, so just quick thoughts of the day. The Primitivo is amazing, a lot less crowded than I would have expected.
Tonight we stayed in an old Monastery and the girls cooked a lovely meal. The four of us got a room to ourselves with the other room holding I think 14 pilgrims.
This is a great spot with excellent friendly staff!
It was difficult saying bye to Lilly and Iris, we all walked to the bus station together. They left for Porto and we left to Oviedo to attempt as much as we could of the Primitivo. We were not certain until the last day or so what exactly we would be doing, the Primitivo or the Faros way. I love the Ocean but the Primitivo has been calling me towards it for years!
It is exactly what I needed! Farm animals, green hills, snow capped mountains in the distance! We got to Oviedo late afternoon and decided to walk!
We got a splendid apartment with an amazing view and marvelous restaurant below.
