We left Oviedo on Thursday (2nd de junio) at 7 am. And yes, we and ten others had a difficult time getting started because we could not find the route!
I was surprised on how many people were starting between 7:30 and 8:30. Mostly Spanish men, but we saw dozens and dozens!
As soon as you leave the city it’s a steady uphill climb. I’d say at least 60% of the day was on streets or paved asphalt trail. I was hoping it would be an easy first day, but it wasn’t. Jet lag, having too little sleep the night before, and still not feeling 100% contributed to it being more difficult. But these two 60-year old ladies dug deep and DID IT!
It lightly rained on us, but I was so drenched in sweat there was no need to even use rain gear. I’m from the high desert of western USA and not at all comfortable in these high humidity conditions. The temperature was only 68-72 Fahrenheit, but it was hot! My fear of being cold on this trip has completely disappeared!
I am exceptionally happy I chose to bring all merino wool tops and shorts! It is great for sweaty messes and dries fast! My convertible hiking pants were a great choice too. The lower sections not only are removable, I can unzip the sides without removing them to let my body heat escape. I left the legs on because there were section of the trail that had a lot of vegetation that you might rub up against. Two pair of socks (iniji toe socks in merino wool as base), my Merrell trail runners, and a small coating of Vaseline did my feet well. No signs of hot spots at all. So far, I’m happy with my gear choices!
We are staying at the most incredible albergue/villa in Palitin! Just 5k shy of Grado-where most people stay—it is a picturesque little haven with top notch accommodations. Pablo, the host, is beyond delightful. Many people stop on the way to grab a cold drink, so he is running about caring for everyone. From our bedroom window we saw lots of pilgrims scurrying to make Grado by 5 pm. So glad we left early, took our time, and stopped before the stampede arrived in Grado looking for the first place to sleep. We were having an afternoon siesta by 3 pm!
A really good dinner (I was the only non red meat eater amongst the eight pilgrims) of avocado, tomatoes, apples and other delectable fruits and vegetables was served. The sound of a running creek adjacent to a pasture of cows lulled us to sleep. And the rooster has just started crowing as I am writing this at 5:40!
Breakfast is included, but not served until 8:30, so after our trek into Grado this morning, there will be a tortilla with my name on it!
Buen Camino
Laura