Day: August 24, 2023

Gonzar to Lestedo

Walked today: 8.0 mi. Camino2023: 272 mi

In spite of the longer distance, today’s walk went well. The sun stayed tucked behind the clouds/fog most of the morning and when it didn’t, the trees provided plenty of shade. The temperature stayed in the high 60’s to low 70’s, helped by a nice, cool breeze.

90% of the walk was on pavement or a sidewalk like dirt or gravel path. We generally stayed on the pavement for more uniform footing and an occasional shortcut. ( a benefit of doing the Camino more than once).

shortly after leaving Hosteria Gonzar, at first light, the Camino veered left off the highway… we continued straight
the shoulder was narrow, but vehicles are used to pilgrims so they generally gave us extra room.
The yellow arrow painted on the back of this sign confirms that we’re not the first to take this alternate route (to save some walking)
the Camino came out to the highway to join us , then went back to the less direct path, which we were avoiding.

We stopped for breakfast #1 at Casa Molar, an albergue/bar in the tiny hamlet of Ventas de Narón. We have stopped here each of our 5 Caminos, especially for the toast which Linda ranks among the best.

the uphill walk out of Ventas de Navón

Ventas de Narón was the site of a major battle in 820 AD in which the Christian army of Asturian King Alfonso II (the chaste) sent the advancing Muslim army packing, beginning the the multi- hundred year process that eventually returned Christianity to northern Spain.

downhill walk into Ligonde
breakfast #2 (hot chocolate) just before Ligonde
cute house in Ligonde
first time pilgrims taking the path (injury-getting-ready-to-happen wash) to the left, seasoned pilgrim ( Linda) taking pavement alternative to the right
Linda having breakfast #3 OJ at a bar less than .5 mile to Lestedo…. French lady walked by shortly after photo taken

Toward the end of our walk we passed a couple who appeared to be struggling. They were from Leon, France and the lady was limping badly. She had apparently injured her ankle during the morning walk. Jim asked if they had any tape for the ankle and both replied no. Jim offered to give them some of our KT tape and explained how to use it to reduce the movement of the ankle and hopefully reduce the pain until they could have it properly treated.

The couple was very appreciative and we bid them good luck and buen Camino. About 15 minutes later, we were sitting at a bar, having OJ when the couple walked by. They both waved and gave a thumbs up. The lady and the man both had huge, smiles on their faces and she was walking without a limp. It certainly made our day, to be able to assist another pilgrim.

Our checkin was immediate when we arrived at Casa Rectoral de Lestedo. We got a light lunch, did our routine afternoon activities including naps and then had a nice dinner in the dining room, served by the relatively new owner who purchased the property in 2018. We stayed here in 2015.

Today was a relief after yesterday’s heat wave. The remaining days will be cooler with possible rain. 6 more days to Santiago!