La Espina to Tineo 12.5 km
We have a very late start this morning. Our roommates who are walking much further than us don’t even stir until after eight. And we don’t need an early start as once again we’re talking a short stage.
I would have imagined that taking such short stages would be anathema to me, but in truth it isn’t a problem at all.
My shoulder aches seemed to fade a lot yesterday and in fact it may not have been due to the impact but due to wearing a heavy pack for a couple of days. There is always an adjustment period until your pack feels like it belongs to your body and I think today I might have got there – yay!
It was fiesta time in the village last night and I could hear the pulsating beat of very loud disco music until well gone 04:00.
Today has started quite chilly with a biting breeze but it warms with the rising sun and it’s soon time to strip off a layer or two.
This is one of the most stunning stages and I remember it well from the previous times I’ve passed this way. The landscape is entirely green with a ragged line of the distant hills below the rising sun.
We made a new friend this morning, he just wouldn’t leave us alone (in the nicest possible way). It was a real treat to have a doggy cuddle on the camino rather than be barked at. He followed us for ages, sometimes leading the way, and even showed us where we needed to make a turn.
It’s a day of ups and downs almost entirely on tree lined dirt track. It’s extremely peaceful apart from some mooing. We see Sarah and Jacob from time to time but no one else.
We reach Tineo after 12.5 km. It’s a sizeable town with some very old properties but somehow it isn’t very attractive.
We’re staying at albergue La Plaza. €18. It’s become a little tired since I last stayed here but the bathroom facilities are excellent which counts for a lot. The kitchen is ok with hob and microwave and I have taken advantage of the laundry facilities and was happy to hang our clothes to dry on the sunny terrace where the views over the valley are fabulous.
There seems to be a fairly full house at the albergue – I assume most people have walked the 20 km stage from Salas.
Another short stage tomorrow before we need to get serious!
I finally get through to the albergue where I want to stay tomorrow, to be told that it will be closed, as will the other albergue and shop/restaurant in Campiello. That means walking an extra 3 km to Borres, which isn’t at all a problem, but I didn’t want to stay there because the reviews are so dire. There is also the issue that every pilgrim staying in Tineo tonight will be heading for the same place. There are 20 places in bunks of three tiers 🥺
In addition to which we will have to carry sufficient food to last two full days.
It all sounds a bit horrendous.
