Collinas de Arriba to Berducedo

Not a bad nights sleep despite 6 bed dorm - there was a bit of snoring but I still slept. Got up at about 6.20 to find it very misty outside, however almost as I watched the mist began to dissolve leaving clouds below and blue sky above.
This was a day I had been anticipating for ages both with excitement and trepidation as it was always going to be spectacular (provided we got the weather) but steep and long. Started walking just before 7 very very steeply up but we were soon looking down on a sea of clouds. Hopefully the pictures do it some justice.
Onwards and upwards all morning really. We passed in turn the ruins of the three medieval ‘hospitales’ - refuges for the brave pilgrims of the Middle Ages. I cannot imagine doing any of this without modern kit but they managed it somehow, tho I gather often got very sick.
As we climbed higher and higher it got colder and colder with a very keen wind. My pack was very heavy as we were advised to carry plenty of food and water as there were no services or human habitation of any kind for over 20k. In fact I didn’t really eat or drink a huge amount and managed to get by with a yoghurt and a couple of bananas and an energy drink (instead of coffee) until we reached Berducedo - where I had the best cheese sandwich ever - at least that’s what it felt like after the walk.
After crossing the pass the weather became significantly warmer with a very different feel - more humid and very different plants and flowers. It had been very difficult to stop at all on the climb as it had become extremely cold but on the warm side it was possible to eat my slightly weird late breakfast and have a bit of a rest - even then we probably didn’t stop for more than about 15 minutes.
It was a tiring but exceptionally beautiful walk. I was very pleased to reach Berducedo at about 1.45 and a bar and a cold drink and my award winning sandwich.
Apparently the water supply to the village has been cut off - although luckily we have had enough for showers.
We are cooking tonight as have been craving pasta (almost non existent as a restaurant option in this area) and we are in an air bnb as couldn’t get a place in an albergue. Have invited David and Alex round as will have plenty for four. Weather is now closing in again but hoping whatever it is that is closing in will pass over by the morning!
Good evening - pasta worked out well and was enjoyed in large quantities by all.Läs mer