3 November A very overcast start, low visibility while climbing, then bright and sunny

QB soldiered on with her injured knee. 15 miles. Last longish day as the next three segments are shorter and much easier. Today, as mentioned in yesterday’s post, was to have the hardest stage of the entire pilgrimage. Not really but not easy.

Day starts with a single ESB climb (350 meters), some of it at 7% but most at a bit easier grade. One then reaches the small, and I mean small, town of Ventas de Nar’on. Thirteen people live there. Two extended families. Each run an Auberge for pilgrims. Learn Gallegos in school, play outdoor games and is very family friendly according to the barkeeper at one of the two establishments. She taught Spanish in Granada but moved to Ventas to have her children out of the “big city”, to run a bar and take care of cows. Her English was excellent.

Discussed the small rectangular buildings seen pictured (the wood version which lead off the post) yesterday. Always raised and made of either stone, or brick or wood.

Called “orrio”. Used, in the past as drying houses for meat. Maybe smoking of meat as well.

Then on a very lovely country road, undulating with some very steep bits up and down, but spectacular in the bright sun. Many small villages. Seems as if the road has been fully repaired as the guide book said that this road had sufficient pot holes and damage to bend rims or split tires. Found none of that, just a very nice road to either walk or ride.

Day ended up with 1.5 ESB of climbing.

QB during a feeding break saw sheep run amok. They were outside the restaurant in the middle of the street looking confused and guilty. A hearty farm woman shouted them back to a corral.
QB continued through the mud and rocks and running water that is the Camino in this area.

Staying in a nice on the outside place, ok inside, complex of buildings. Of especial note is that they have coin operated laundry on the premises. QB asked me to drape myself over the machines to protect them while she is walking.

Shout out to Bob M. Frequent contributor to this conversation he is aware of the distress
QB is in. So, he has been in training to strengthen his back and arms. Now in shape he will join us on the Camino and carry, yes carry, the QB the final 30+ kms to Santiago. Expecting to see a very buff Bob on the 5th.

Threat down, thanks to Stephen Colbert and friends: Mountains; there are too many of them and they obscure the view.

The mentioned sheep.

Some views, first in the morning from

As the fog lifted at the top of the first pass