Bendueños snowfall January 20, 2023

How magical it would be, to be there right now!

Me too. Such a magical place and the wonderful Sandra. Absolutely worth the extra walk.

peregrina2000 said:

One of my all time favorite albergues. I know she’s had a rough time, but I am hoping that next year will be a very good one for the Bendueños albergue. For those of you who are wondering whether it is worth a 1.5 km walk uphill and off-Camino to stay here, the answer is a resounding unequivocal YES!

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For my wife and I, it is our all time favorite albergue. We had heard so much about it that we felt we had to make that climb despite being soaked to the skin after walking in driving rain all day. We arrived around 1pm and the kind ladies helped us warm up with soup so delicious we almost cried. After lunch, we helped them clean the church, then returned to the albergue and sat on the porch looking over the valley as they taught us how to pour cider as only the Asturians do. And it was hard cider, accompanied by snacks. The communal dinner was great fun. After dinner, we sat together and chatted in a cozy circle as the rain and wind picked up outside. We were all in bed by 9. Around 11pm, there was bang on the door. A peregrino who not even a cat would drag in collapsed when he entered. Even though all the beds were taken, a mat and blankets were placed on the floor for him. The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, we left more in the donativo box than we ever paid for even a private albergue. Life was good, and we were on our way to Mieres, the hometown of Jose Andres, the famous chef and philanthropist. We had an unforgettable time there as well, but that's another story for another time.

Poladura de la Tercia to Bendueños was a long, long day with a lot of elevation. Heading up that final hill wasn't easy! But, arriving at 5pm to Sandra's smiling face (and hot pot of food) was amazing and made it all worth it.

El Cascayal said:

Sandra must have special Peregrino radar. We also dragged ourselves up the twisting hill and when she saw us arriving, ran up with a tureen of incredibly wonderful hot soup.
And because a picture is worth a thousand…
The last picture: Sandra is in the front, her guardian angel is behind her, my now dear Salvador found Peregrina friend on the right, I’m beaming on the left.

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Great photos! Brings back memories. I didn't mention that our second day our on the Salvador, we ended up walking with a fascinating couple: he was a very spry 83 year old, with his rob-the-cradle 65 year old Dutch girlfriend. They were a delight and such an inspiration. They weren't going to stay at Benduenos, but I was able to coax them to go up the hill. They, like us, beamed when the hot soup was served. And free beer in the fridge? We all felt like we had somehow walked out of the real world into Brigadoon.