31st May.
Gijon. - Aviles.
Tough day. Walking out of Gijon wasn't the nasty big deal it was made out to be. Not pretty agreed but ok. Then we climbed plenty. We found a place that had a little sanctuary for the pilgrim beside the road and we were grateful. Then a bit further along the climb we found a couple of cheap plastic chairs that some thoughtful person had purposefully placed so we could rest...and we did. Then we came to a forest / national park and we really enjoyed our walk for a while. Eventually we arrived in a town. It was an industrial area and brought us back to a world that neither of us lives in. It felt without hope. We walked for ages through these ugly industrial suburbs becoming more demoralized by the metre. After some of the beautiful places we've been and seen on this pilgrimage this brought us back to the real world with a whack. It was horrible. As we walked I hoped our accommodation wasn't anywhere near here. Oh well it was just on the edge and we are just on the off side of a dirt area where there are about 20 trucks parked. I was a bit worried about the dodgy bars right next door to our place of residence tonight but once we got to know the locals it turns out out it's Mothers Day in the Dominican Republic (we're told) not to be deterred we helped the locals celebrate for just enough time to no longer feel scared and learned a few new things as well.
I'm so glad I'm not here alone. This is not Camino I would do by myself. I was uncomfortable today. Some of our friends have skipped some stages because of this and I totally understand why.
Tomorrow is another day.
Hey Kay, loving the blog. Today's walk sounds a little scary but definitely a heads up - somehow I don't think it will change in 2 years time. But as you noted, sometimes looks can be quite deceiving. You guys are definitely going leaps and bounds now - can't believe how far you've travelled so far. Loving following you on the maps when the names come up. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi. Glad you're enjoying it. There are a couple of places that are best done on the bus. There are quite a few very isolated places on the Norte and it's very quiet compared to the Frances. I wouldn't do amy of it alone although there are quite a few women old and young here on their own. I must be getting a bit of a scaredy cat. Haha
ReplyDelete