Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Day 1 - Oviedo to San Juan de Villapanada - 29.5 kms

Hola from Albergue de Peregrinos in San Juan de Villapanada. 

This will be a short post. I think I am in shock at our accommodation for the night. Ten bunk beds in the smallest of rooms - certainly the most 'primitivo' albergue I've  stayed in on any Camino. I'm nervous about my chances of sleep tonight, which is a bit of a worry given the day ahead. On the bright side, my shower was hot. And Dominique is cooking dinner for me in the communal kitchen. Most of you would appreciate this is as much in his interests as mine!  We had to buy supplies at the previous town as there are no cafes or bars nearby. 

Other than the 'surprise' of our accommodation, the day was uneventful, the scenery unremarkable and the terrain not difficult except for a few sharp ascents. My pack is heavier than usual - thanks to my unusually undisciplined packing which saw me throwing in way too many extras at the last minute. And the last time I carried my full pack was in early May, so I had some trepidation about how I would manage such a long distance on the first day. All in all, things seemed to go ok - a little sore in places but nothing major. 

I'll know more tomorrow when the real fun starts, with some serious 'up and down' - hopefully rewarded by a more appealing place to stay. Oh, the comfort and tranquility of the Hotel Fruela in Oviedo seem a long way from here - see last pictures. That's my room with the washing on the balcony. 

Nearly time for dinner - but before I sign off it was great to hear from you today Helen C, Helen (Mum), Pam, Marian and Mandi. Gracias. 

Hasta luego

J x





















1 comment:

  1. Loving the pics and the updates. Hope the walk goes well today and that the pack is not too heavy. And your accommodation is much more comfortable. Keep looking radiant. Sue xxx

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