Day 5- Borres to Berducedo

We left just at daybreak to make the journey over the Hospitales portion of this stage, knowing we had a hot day ahead. With only daypacks we felt very light and energized, having sent our packs ahead.
There were still clouds over the mountains as we climbed, which looked like lakes as we gazed out. It’s so hard to capture mountain vistas, but the views all day were spectacular.
As we climbed, the terrain changed to be more arid. Many trails were filled with loose, jagged rocks that were very difficult to climb, even worse as we went down some of these. We visited the ruins of 3 ancient hospitals, which is where the name of this stage comes from.
A highlight was meeting up with a small herd of cows, calves, horse and foals…so stunning to see them in the wild at a mountain pond!
As we exited the mountain trail from the Hospitales, joining the alternative route of this stage, there was a food truck waiting on us! So only 10 miles before we were able to refuel.
Mostly downhill trekking from there, another 6 miles to reach our village for the evening, so about 16 miles and about 3000ft assent for the day.
Lisa was feeling great…I was pretty fatigued and sore, more Vit I (ibuprofen, ha!), then crashed for the night.Read more