Cinco Caminos - Stage 3: Ribadesella to Colunga (24 km) 13ºC – Sun, cloud, wind, and rain

 By Jim

Rain kept us close to home last night in our search for a fish supper.  We ducked in to a neighbouring bar that reminded Laurel of a dingy version of Cheers, complete with its own  “Norm” and “Cliff” arguing over a game show on the television.  The menu had two fish dishes and we ordered both — sardines and anchovies.  They were fine, although small and even smaller.  

Today’s walk was a challenge for both of us.  Our legs were complaining about the three days of walking and worried that we were thinking of making this a habit.  Laurel has been battling plantar fasciitis in both feet for a few months; her feet begin to hurt after about four hours of walking.  Today we walked for seven hours and so she was struggling over the last portion, finishing in her sandals just to be rid of her shoes.

Despite our aches, we were treated to another day of amazing ocean views connected by forest paths infused with the scent of eucalyptus.  On more than one occasion our collective mind drifted back to the eucalyptus forests of Hlatikulu, Eswatini (our home many years ago).

The weather displayed its full diversity giving us sun, cloud, wind, and even a bit of rain.  When we entered Colunga the first restaurant that greeted us got our business as we replenished our energy reserves.  A long siesta at our room has revived us to the point that we are planning tomorrow’s stage. 

The only two pilgrims that we passed today!

Getting to know some of the other pilgrims (Brigette from Holland and Anna from Malaysia)

A day of beautiful beaches.

The only open bar that we passed all day.

Different sides of the same path at the same time.

The eucalyptus forests reminded us of Swaziland (Eswatini).

Fabada Asturias - Delicious energy in a bowl.