June 7

Left Salas 9:35 am. Arrived Tineo 4:30 pm. Miles walked 13.29.

I do not want to complain. However…this Camino is kicking our butts. I clearly did not realize how much climbing we would be doing every day. And just when we thought that had to be the last climb, just around the corner is another rocky ascent. I’m done now; just wanted to get that off my chest. On to better things.

Saying goodbye to our lovely hotel

1. Cannot complain about the weather. It is perfect for walking long distances.
2. We’ve chatted with a few other peregrinos and find them delightful.
3. The food – other than that uncooked chicken sandwich yesterday, has been super.
4. The flora and fauna – what’s not to like? We love horses, cows, cats and dogs. There’s so many!! and the lush woods …we couldn’t ask for more.

Walking to Tineo we’re told the houses are more of a colonial style vs the old style. Not sure how that works but perhaps photos will explain. They look more modern, but that’s all I got. But first- our furry friends.

When you ask people about why they travel the Camino I’m sure you get different answers. Mine is simple (in no particular order) – I want to challenge myself physically; I want to forget about the condition of the world and its problems; I want to focus on nature and well being; I want to share this amazing experience with a kind and considerate person (Caleb); I want to see how other people live. There’s a few more, but that pretty much covers it. My life is better for having the ability to do this.

Asking others on the road, their answers are similar. We want what we don’t get every day.

Love the old buildings the most

And let’s not forget the mud. This is not fun to navigate through. We did a lot of switchbacks and our shoes and socks paid the price

Then there’s things you just can’t explain – it’s a tree, but is it?

Tineo is one of the oldest towns in Asturias, dating back to the Bronze Age. It was founded as a village during the reign of Alfonso IX who established it as an obligatory stop for pilgrims traveling from Oviedo (where we started) to Santiago de Compostela.

Today’s food intake for lunch was purchased at a grocery store as the only restaurant (Cafe Paris) in El Espina was taken over by a wedding party. Dinner at our hotel was soup and yoghurt because we were just too dang tired. Oh, plus we snuck out before dinner to a bar. Caleb had a burger and I had bacon and asparagus on toast. Maybe that’s why we didn’t eat dinner we’d already paid for at the hotel. Never mind. I think we made the right choice.

Today’s fascination – walls, with a touch of flowers and a statue

I can confirm that it is possible to get totally exhausted three days in a row, yet look forward to doing it again the next day. I am that person.

Good night.