I was slightly apprehensive about this, as there was talk we would run into snow, and we woke to howling winds and a great deal of fog.
By the way, the latest technique we are using for staying warm is to place a liberal layer of newspapers between our various tops. The backpack keeps your back warm, but the newspaper really helps cut the wind at the front.
The climb was not bad at all, but we did encounter both snow and rain.
Unfortunately, I turned my ankle ever so slightly on the wet stones, and so the walk was somewhat painful.
About 10 kil along, we came to the Cruz de Ferro -a massive pile of stones with an Iron Cross erected on top. An important Camino ritual is to lay a stone on the pile, to calm the mountain Gods, and ask for safe passage through the mountains.
Many Pilgrims bring a stone from home to place here, and others pick up ones along the way.
A few kilometres on marks the highest point of the Camino at 1517 M. The views are apparently stunning from here, but there was a blanket of fog over the entire valley so we never had the opportunity to appreciate them.
From there we headed to El Acebo and it started to rain heavily, with a brutally cold wind as we approached the village. As it was a steep downhill trek for another 8k to reach our intended destination, we decide to stay at the Albergue in El Acebo instead of continuing on.
I also thought I should not tax my ankle too much.
I also thought I should not tax my ankle too much.
It had a warm and cosy bar at the front, a dining room and a dorm with blankets - heated (until midnight only). Sometimes it's the best you can do.
When we woke in the morning, it had snowed heavily in the night. It looked beautiful, as we looked out the window, to see the snow on the mountains and covering the slated rooftops.
The reality of walking in it wasn't so great.
Especially since none of us had packed for a winter trek.
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