I figured the last 20 km of the Camino San Salvador would be mostly downhill but I was
wrong. Shortly out of Mieres we started to climb on a fairly narrow road. Hairpin turns followed
and we were soon looking back down from above. The difference is that five days of these
ups and downs have made us stronger. Our ‘legs and lungs’ are feeling capable. Good timing,
as we start back into the mountains tomorrow on the Camino Primitivo.
Some of the paths walked today were originally cobblestone. Sections clearly showed the
thoughtful construction, possibly hundreds of years ago. Other areas were grown over and
out of repair due to water and vehicle use. It is said that the San Salvador follows the old
route used by the King to visit Leon from Oviedo. I wonder how it would have looked 800
years ago.
Our albergue didn’t open until 4:30 pm so we explored Oviedo. Our first stop, the Cathedral of
San Salvador. Its claim to fame is a piece shroud used when Jesus was removed from the
cross. We received certificates of completion and as San Salvador pilgrims, were given free
access to tour the cathedral and museum.
A visit to Decathlon was our next stop. Mark couldn’t find his hat this morning, even after
revisiting last evening’s restaurant, so a new hat was purchased.
There were many well rated restaurants in the old town to choose from according to Google
Maps, but we just didn’t feel high end. We found a tiny bocadillo, burger, pizza place and
settled in. I want to tell you its name but it’s not even listed on Google Maps. Mark had a
burger and fries and I had a Mexican pizza. For toppings, my pizza had chicken, onions, and
mushrooms.
Breakfast and lunch are becoming the norm for us with maybe a granola bar for dinner. By 8
pm we are usually ready for bed. A quick stop at the grocery store for lunch and emergency
provisions to carry on the Primitivo was our last stop before checking in to the albergue.
There are possibly 25 people staying here tonight: our group of four, some other pilgrims who
also walked the San Salvador, and many pilgrims who just arrived to start the Primitivo.
Damian and Francisco will head home tomorrow and we will make more friends.
Oh, and as we prepared to do laundry, Mark found his hat.