I was on the road about 7:45 this morning – not quite early enough because all the coffee at the hotel was gone by the time I got started – but early enough to catch the sun rising over Poladura de las Tercias.
It was pretty much straight up to the Cruz de San Salvador, then a further ascent followed by a generally downhill walk, some on good paths, others rocky and steep and slippery. My balance was tested by a couple of stream crossings.
When I arrived in Pajares, the village was celebrating San Miguel day with a procession of the saint to the sounds of the gaita and tambor and songs of praise.
I went inside for mass and when I came out, there were the peregrinos celebrating. Buy a drink and get all the tapas you want!
The Posada Real where I stayed in Pajares has a swimming pool. After a shower, I went for a dip and as I sat waist deep in the pool, cold water soothing my legs and knees and ankles, I thought what a lucky person I was.
