Salas

Clouds hung overhead as I left Cornellana and made the temperature comfortable for walking. A long, low climb lay ahead for my next stop of Salas. 

The monastery silhouetted against morning light

Cemeteries are typically attached to churches or located nearby, such as this one with a geometric design on the gate. 

The corn wasn't "as high as an elephant's eye" yet.

Some horreos displayed drying corn.

These "kids" jumped across their yard to say hello!

Breakfast included the rest of last night's bocadillo and was eaten at a picnic area near Quintana. Italian walker Leo was eating there too. Before beginning the Primitivo, Leo studied traditional cheese making techniques. He walked without a cell phone or other conveniences.

Other pilgrims arrived to the rest stop, including Tatiana from Valencia who was walking with her dog Guiness (the same name as the beer) on her first Camino. Tatiana is a first grade teacher and learned English by watching TV and films. She was aware of Comic-Con in San Diego from watching a show about it. To protect Guiness' paws from rough surfaces, Tatiana applied a cream on them to prevent chafing.

Tatiana and Guiness pose by signage for the quaint town of Salas.

A stream that runs from the Rio Narcea flows through Salas, known for its palace & 12th c. castle. 

The Castillo de Salas connects to the Palacio de Valdes palace by a bridge. The palace, now a hotel, is the birthplace of Fernando Valdes-Salas, founder of the University of Oviedo & Archbishop of Seville. The castle has 4 floors, including a dungeon. There were slits in the walls used to shoot arrows through in centuries past.

At a bar I saw Rasa and Joe from NY whom I'd first met back in Oviedo by the cathedral. They're American-Lithuanians, and Rasa had lived in Detroit. Their Camino journey started on Camino del Norte, the northernmost route that connects to the Primitivo. They were walking onward from Salas and just enjoying a break here.
   

Albergue de Miguel is a private albergue I had made reservations at before leaving for Spain. It faces the town's main plaza, Plaza de la Campa.

View of the plaza out the albergue kitchen window 

 

Checking out guidebook information for the next day's walk

The inside sported brightly colored rooms, including a hot pink staircase. The wood stairs and floors creaked, so getting to the restroom at night was tricky. 

The cool evening was perfect for sleeping. Buenos noches Salas!