Day 5: Colinas de Arriba to La Mesa

Distance: 29km (18miles)
Elevation gain: 3,670ft
Emotions: exhausted, proud of my achievement

What a day!? I arrived at my Albergue at 4pm, which is very late for me, but Im finally lying on my bed (in my own room) after having a shower and some chocolate to keep my energy up.

Today was the formidable Hospitales route, up over El Picu Cimeiru and Pico de Freitas. It’s the highest part of the Camino and is well known for its beautiful views but vicious weather. I had stayed in the Albergue with Maria from Holland again, so we decided to tackle the route together. Although it was frustratingly slow at times, it was a good day to spend in the company of another pilgrim, as we ended up tackling longer distances, steeper gradients and colder weather.

The climb up from Colinas de Arriba was short and steep, but easier than anticipated and we were blessed with incredible views over the valleys below as the sun rose. We stopped often to take in the glorious panoramas and were both in good spirits. The route meandered over the mountain ridge, providing epic scenery, but it wasn’t too long before the clouds blew in and stayed. We became quieter as the route became slightly more hostile and eerie, but we kept each others spirits up and kept putting one foot in front of the other. It was a challenge but we took it in our stride, literally, and reached the other side,where the views reappeared as we descended back below the cloud line.

From there, we hiked through woodland, moorland and farmland, crossing ribbons of tarmac and traversing through small unoccupied villages. The further we ventured, the wetter it got, so Maria decided to stop for a warm coffee and to rest her legs. But I was warm, comfortable, and happy in myself and the rain, so I continued to plod along for the remaining 5km to my Albergue.

It was a quiet day today with fewer pilgrims taking on the mischievous weather, but I am proud of what we achieved and am looking forward to food and bed, where I will probably dream of walking.

Buen Camino!Baca lagi