Day 6 - Grandas de Salime to A Fonsagrada - 25 kms
Hola amigos
Sorry not to have written an update yesterday (Saturday). It was certainly my intention, but an afternoon vino tinto with some Camino amigos tuned into dinner and a later night than usual. And the same thing happened today.
On Friday night we met a lovely french couple, Martine and Guy. Martine has a smattering of English - their daughter lived in Australia for a year and they visited Sydney and Melbourne. And on Saturday afternoon we met the most hilarious Irishman from Dublin, Maurice (as he explains, 'that's Maurice as in Maurice Chevalier, not as in Morris Minor'). Maurice is well travelled to the most exotic places. Cathy, he has even been to Lamu - and made his way there by many days travel in local buses through the North of Kenya, just like us. Can you believe it? He is only the second person I've met who has been to Lamu!
Dominique has done amazingly well to keep up with Maurice's heavily accented rapid fire English. It's difficult even for me. And, as always, he has been so kind and charming moving easily between French and English to translate and make sure we are all in the conversation. Alarmingly, I seem to have the most Spanish between the five of us - for me it has taken a back seat to French this time around. But we are getting by.
The past two days walking have been wonderful in every way. Again spectacular scenery but each day different in its own way. When we left Berducedo on Saturday morning, before too long we were climbing steeply. Jill, you'd be proud of me. I'm still rocking those hills, just as we did on the Camino Frances, especially that very hot climb to O'Cerebrio. And I'm still slow and steady on the way down!
The difficulty rating of 5 for yesterday's path was more to do with the down hill than the climbing. We descended 1,000 metres over a 6 km distance. While not that steep for the most part, the rocky path made for constant bracing of the knees. I took it very slowly. All the more time to appreciate the incredible beauty as we literally descended into the clouds. You can see a photo of Dominique, Martine and Guy doing just that.
The accommodation has been a pleasant surprise as well. The last two nights we have chosen albergues, because both have been excellent. The basic ones can be dire, as was the case on our first night in San Juan de Villapanada. But the good ones can be exceptional. That is the case again tonight. And to top it all off, we have lavadoras (washing machines) and secodoras (dryers) so my clothes are all now clean.
The food too has been a treat the last few days - with my favourite calamares frites on the menu tonight and last night. I couldn't go past it. Just as at home, my amigos think it 'tres amusant' that I will choose this dish whenever it's available. More about the food to come.
Best sign off now as it's almost 10, and that's lights out in the albergues. Big thank you to Ross and Wendy, Coach (Martin), Judy, Marian, Mandi and Helen C for being in touch. Great to hear from you.
Hasta luego. A bientot.
J x
Hello my friend - WOW how stunning - the photos are amazing. You look great too. Well and happy which is good. Zac and are I doing fine. I took him for his first night-time walk last night (normally we've been out during daylight hours). Same routine but not so many people about which is good for both of us. I don't need to look out for joggers and cyclists!! He's happy and we're doing just fine. He's a lovely boy and very affectionate. I will truly miss him when you return from your adventures! In the meantime, we both send our love (he sends a lick) - I don't - I look forward to tomorrow's blog - love Helen
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteStunning pics and looks absolutely gorgeous. Sounds like the last two days have been great in many ways. New friends and new scenery makes for wonderful conversation and sharing the experience even more. Loving the blog as always.
Sydney experiencing a few wild storms and welcome rain. Otherwise business as usual here, with more golf and trophies to compete for. The media scrum has now settled. We'd be safe to go back to the local cafe without being 'recognised'. Much love, you look very happy and healthy. Jan xx
Hi Jen - I got a bit slack logging onto the blog and now find that you are already more than 150k into your journey. You just seem to move from one beautiful village to another as if there is an endless supply. (I don't think walking from Toowoomba to Charleville would quite compare).
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are having such a wonderful time. Mike xox
Hello my friend again - the photos just get better and better - you look like you're having the best ever time. The Way is certainly looking green and lush. With a bit if wet weather thrown into the mix! We've had some really wild weather here - Zac and I missed our walk last night as we would have both been drenched so he made do with a quick little hop skip and jump in the front garden. We took off this morning in light rain but he coped well with that! All's good and Zac is well and happy. Looking forward to the next post - love Helen
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny - it is hard to believe - but your photos keep getting better and better. I especially loved Lugo !! It is also hard to believe that there is less than 100 km to go until you reach Santiago. Will be interesting to hear how "the Way" changes in these final few days. So glad you have made some more new friends along the way......can't wait to hear all about it
ReplyDeleteover a vino blanco and a gosleme on your return. Enjoy these last few days and so glad you are having such a special time. Jill