After a good night’s sleep (Whoop rated it 94%)and a hearty breakfast I was ready to start one of the longer days including climbing to the highest point of the whole trip. A beautiful paved road N525 ran along the whole Camino route today. At times the Camino was on one side, then it actually was on N525 then it would switch to the other side of the road. I had a choice. Stay on the Camino with all its meandering through mud, water, rocks and difficult single track or I could stroll down N525, which if it existed in the 9th century, I’m certain the Pilgrims would have opted to take it. Did God want me mired in mud for the whole day? After 35 days, I’ve had everything the Camino has to offer. Okay, I confess, all I’m doing is trying to rationalize my choice……….and hey, it worked. About 4 miles from the day’s end, I did go back to the Camino’s rough trail of rocky descents, difficult and soggy terrain- wasn’t too bad.

In the middle of the day I conquered a 4 mile climb(here the Camino was on N525)to the highest point of my whole Camino- 4,478 ft.

Camino fun fact- the longer your day, the heavier your pack- extra water and food. Short days, lighter packs.

Excellent hotel beautiful town

Beautiful way out of town

The beautiful N525 and the mountain in the distance I had to climb

My lunch stop for the day

Yes. There is a trail there

A simple prayerful place