Day 2 - Grado to Salas

Planned distance of 24km

So my first experience of an albergue, when it comes to being kept awake and woken up early, was an eye opener. I always heard stories, now I know they are all true. Snoring, restlessness, pilgrims up before the proverbial cock cries, ensuring that some don’t have a needed good nights rest.

None the less around 7:00, after breakfast provided by the municipal albergue, I set off ready to tackle the day.

The day started with a climb out of Grado (up to 370m), not too bad. I managed to catch up and pass a few pilgrims staying at the albergue, and managed to help three new faces, I met at one of the alternate route splits. Using the wise pilgrim app, I showed them where the alternative route went and where it rejoined. At this point I thought my niece, Lisa was here doing her own pilgrimage, as the Dutch girl looked exactly like her. I’m sure I must have been on her mind today. Was thinking of her.

Quite a pleasant walk all in all, I had almost finished one bottle of water and was ready the refill at the next water fountain (there are enough).

Walking down from the peak of 370m, comprising of mostly loose gravel, I enjoyed one of the apricots purchased the previous day. Walking on I saw a sign indicating a water fountain. As I approached I saw two ladies filling their bottles. I greeted and Josephine immediately recognised my accent (actually she saw my SA flag on my hat, has a laugh about that afterwards). I thought it was to dispense a little gift, proceeded to scratch in my bag and fixing one of the “save the rhino bracelets” I was carrying. She immediately smiled and laughed, as she had just been talk to Servane the previous day that she has been looking for a bracelet and was unable to find a suitable one. What are the odds. 

After that we walked together until it was time for me to stop for the day, chatting laughing and taking small breaks, trying to cool down. All in all an EXCELLENT day. My first “Camino family members”

I checked into the albergue and they set off to walk a further few kilometers, before stopping for the day.

Some pics of the day.