This is my version of the ubiquitous TV Spanish game show. The object is to match the photographed prize (handmade leather purse/B&B with swimming pool/) with the purchase price (60€ /17€). I bought them both.
This new municipal albergue charges 7€ ($8.50) a night for dormitory beds including disposable sheets. The architectural design transformed an old stone shell into light and airy inviting space.
Country stores fascinate me. This hamlet consists of two country stores each with an attached bar, albergue, and hotel. The stores have everything you could possibly imagine like replacement tines for pitch-forks, boots, clothes pins, buckets, Frangelico liquor, fresh fruit and vegetables. All this in a space smaller than an average living room. Such was it before the generation of Box Stores.
Can there be a better reason for staying st a Parador? They do laundry. Even our muddy laundry.
Oops. A gentle slip landed me in the mud. Criterion for the next albergue was washer and drier. We happily discovered the option of a room for two rather than the standard dormitory room for the coming two weeks.
Table for one at the Monasterio de Valdediós.
• Wednesday, May 30, 2018, Day #20
• Valdediós
• Distance 12 miles; total 279 miles
• 1,719’ ascent and 1,376’ descent
• 25% hard surface
• Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Weather: 50-60 overcast
It’s either hot and humid,
Or cold and damp.
Spain.
Private room at the Monasterio de Valdediós.
My room is cold. I am cold.
1st towards Valdediós
2nd towards Valdediós
3rd towards Valdediós
• Wednesday, May 23, 2018, Day #13
• Cóbreces
• Distance 14.5 miles; total 171.7 miles (including 2-minute train ride crossing river)
• 1,628’ ascent and 1,459’ descent
• 100% hard surface
• Time: 7 3/4 hours
• Weather: 55-65 overcast
Vespers at Abadia de Santa Maria de Viaceli. So much quiet.
1st Cóbreces
2nd Cóbreces
3rd Cóbreces
• Saturday, May 19, 2018, Day #9
• Santoña
• Distance 18 miles; total 129 miles
• 1,044’ ascent and 1,046’ descent
• 100% hard surface
• Time: 5 1/2 hours
• Weather: 55-60 degrees; overcast becoming sunny
Perfect timing. Celebration in the plazas.
There is a pervasive gentleness about the people. I haven’t see adults in discourse, parents raising voice to children, or children having a melt-down.
I have not seen poverty nor have I seen what appears as mass unemployed persons.
1st Santoña
2nd Santoña
3rd Santoña / Saburo and me by hostel.
• Thursday, May 17, 2018, Day #7
• Pobeña
• Distance 16.3 miles; total 98.1 miles
• 907’ ascent and 986’ descent
• 100% hard surface
• Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Weather: 45-60 degrees; overcast becoming sunny
Magic moment. Did I still feel tired? Sure.
1st Pobeña
2nd Pobeña
3rd Pobeña
Linda Scandore 