Day 13 - Somiedo Nature Reserve

 

Lovely night, the rain didn’t last long and it was absolutely silent. It was misty when we woke, but it doesn’t take long before the clouds start to lift and we can see the mountains again. It appears that the weather today is gonna be much better than we expected. I’m still keen to get the laundry done and Graham could do with a good walk, which I’m not really up to at the moment, so that’s gonna be the plan. The tourist office was open on his journey to the bakery (which was fruitless as all the bread had gone for today) and they’ve provided him with a map of local footpaths, so he’s going to construct a route from here. It doesn’t take long for him to sort himself out and set off. 

I get the washing on and enjoy a hot shower. The facilities here are relatively new and spotless but the sloping shower floor is a bit of a challenge to my poor knee. The washing machine is powered up by reception for €5.50 with the same fee for use of the dryer. They are high capacity and I get everything washed and dried for one fee for each. 

It’s good to spend a day catching up with some home admin on the WiFi whilst I ice my knee, bird watch and listen to podcasts … at one point it’s even warm enough to sit outside. I’m avoiding the ‘real world’ as much as possible as no news is definitely good news at the moment, but it good to listen to some 6Music.

When Graham gets back he’s had a great walk. It was a steep climb,  up high the clouds were greyer than here but visibility was good and he made it to Brana du Mumian - a high pasture with shepherds huts, specific to this area and known as Teitos, and magnificent views.

He returns the same way, scaling a small peak that he passed going up. No bears though! 

A bit of planing for tomorrow. We are still keen to get back to the coast before Cathedral Beach and A Coruna but we might have another inland stop first , we’ll see what comes. 


Another evening stroll round the village, including acrossing the fast flowing river on the Roman bridge. Unfortunately everything is closed, but for the hotel bar which looks a bit formal. It’s particularly disappointing to discover we are missing out on a craft brewery that’s only open at the weekend. So tonight it’s dinner in the van with a beer from home, before settling down for another very quiet night. 


Cumulative Mileage: as yesterday 

Overnight: as yesterday

Spending: Campsite, €17 , Laundry €11


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