We started the first night with 9 pilgrims and are now only 4. The two Portuguese are walking
this Camino in five days so they pushed on further today. The Spanish mother/daughter/son
in-law trio has chosen some other accommodation tonight. Francisco from Barcelona and
Damien from Madrid are staying with us at the Municipal Albergue de Pajares, a lovely warm
building, with updated facilities for only 8 euros per night.
The walk today was spectacular. Cold, windy, steep, and muddy in spots, but spectacular. We
reached 1550 m at the highest pass, and are at 1380 m in Pajares. To get anywhere you
need to go up and down, and up again.
Mark
Mark is a retired high school principal from Ontario, Canada, and my go to adventure partner.
He knew this camino would be a physical challenge, and has not been disappointed. He is
hoping the hard climbs on the San Salvador will prepare us for the Primitivo, also rumoured to
be a physically challenging camino. This is Mark’s fifth camino.
Mark and I are currently doing laundry, and the four of us pilgrims will dine at 8 pm at Pension
el Mirador, the only choice for a meal in town. All is well.