Ribadesella

Leaving Barro

A relatively quiet but sleepless night in Barro. I had a most unhealthy breakfast of cake, bread, butter and jam with coffee (totally contrary to my normal habits and probably why I am so tired now) and set off feeling ready to walk a good long walk. Somehow, I managed to get lost 3 times before 10:00 am and was feeling a bit dejected about having added about 4km to the day´s walkrrows when I ran into Gunter from Cologne, and this helped pick me up a little. To date, I have seen very few people on the trail; it is starting to feel a little lonely and as such it is encouraging to run into someone that you have met before.

I had hoped to walk a little further today than I did, but my feet were complaining miserably so rather than push it too hard, I packed it in at Ribadesella. It appears to be a large and lively place, but I have yet to see it as I have only just finished with showering and laundry, which is a very necessary part of the day´s routine on the camino. Once again I am utilising the computer at the pension I am staying at, which is very nice of them.

Flowers on the trail

I don´t think I have talked about the benefits of a walking holiday like this too much. Aside from the obvious fitness and health of it, one definitely has a full sensual experience. The things that stand out for me each days are sights, smells and sounds all around. Here in the north of spain there are many wonderful plants that have incredible fragrance. Orange and lemon blossoms, jasmine, honeysuckle, wild roses and a host of other plants that strive to attract the bees make for a most delicious sensation for the nose. Of course there are the other smells too - lots of cow dung, fertilizer and the occasional dead thing, but this is by far the least. Even the people here smell good as they pass by.

A bit of Spanish Cheer

I did not bring my Ipod with me this time, and although it would be helpful for noise cancelling at times, I am enjoying the bird song very much. The only one I have been able to identify is the cuckoo, but there are many other sweet songs to hear all day, in the country. I try to turn my ears off when I am walking on roads or in the towns as those noises are typically less pleasant and can be jarring.

Well, I think this is it for today... once again I am extremely tired and need to go an take it easy for a few minutes before heading out to explore Ribadesella. Hasta Luego...