29/4 Friday Villaviciosa to Vega de Sariego 19km

The day started with a frustrating 40 minutes at the Post Office. No parcel but a letter from Spanish customs asking for the same information Jill provided when posting. I tried responding online but couldn't register as there was a problem with the format of my details.

So I filled in the form and sent Vito in the post. The very helpful lady behind the counter suggested they could forward the parcel to me once it arrived. Another €10 though. I have the phone number so just need to track arrival and a practical forwarding point.

I was soon heading out of the pretty old town part of Villaviciosa and following a river towards Casquita where the route to the Primitivo splits from the Norte. Next was a couple of hours of continual climbing along rural roads and tracks. I took a break at a handy picnic table just beyond La Cruz and then continued up to Alto de La Campa with a total climb of over 400m or 1200 feet in 11km. Time for lunch in the shade.

Refreshed and recharged it was now downhill surrounded by views that reminded me of the north lakes between Keswick and Cockermouth.

Then along roads between hamlets to Vega where I found the cafe La Casuca which managed the Albergue across the road. The menu del día was available until 4pm so I dumped my gear, ordered my regular beer with lemon juice and chilled before eating.

Then it was over to the Albergue to organise bedding, shower and a little washing.