Today was going to be a very long day and very steep so we got up early and headed out by 6:30 in the morning with headlamps. Today also had no real stops so we had to take extra water and food. 

In a small village in the dark we spotted a cafe. It was actually a concrete building with a coffee machine and vending machine. It was a welcome respite after 4 kms. We enjoyed a quick coffee and kept moving. And forgot see the most beautiful sunset.

Today you had a choice to go over the big mountain and see the ruins of several hospitals (places for pilgrims) with no food or water stops or go another route that had some places for food. We chose to go over. 

We climbed over 1000 meters/3300 feet. As we reached one of the peaks the wind came up full force. So we not only climbed but we had the wind in our face. The path was often next to steep drops down the mountain. I was clinging to the mountain. 

At one of the hospital ruins we stopped to eat some pasta we had made for the day. It was delicious!! The steep ups and downs were wreaking havoc on Noël’s knees. We were able to take another break and finish our pasta. It was again delicious. 

After ascending over 1000 meters means you have to go down and down we went. It was steep and stony and terrifying. 

We had planned to make it to Berducedo but missed it by 3,6 kms. When we got to Lago we called the taxi we had arranged for Berducedo to San Julian and she said she could come get us. The choice to go to San Julian 20 kms on was due to difficulty finding accommodation. 

There are choices you make on pilgrimage as well as in life in order to take good care of yourself, for physical health and mental health and spiritual health. I struggled with this for many years thinking you had to just keep going. Rest and self care are so important!! 

We stayed at a lovely Casa Rurales in San Julian a bit off of the camino. 

Buen Camino!! 

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