Escampolero to Grado

I have learned a new appreciation in life for the term soaked from head to toe. On the way to the first way point from Escampalero mother nature deigned to open up with such abandon that a waterproof jacket, and a waterproof poncho failed to be up to the task.

The longer I walked, the wetter I got. My boots especially on the inside. I'd been keeping pace witha German, Nico who also got caught out in the torrential downpour.

We continued walking, getting further saturated, my chance of waiting it out and changing would have worked if my washing hadn't been out during the first thorough storm of the morning.

Needless to say by the time I got to Grado only 11km from Escampolero at 12pm I was ready to call it a day, so checked in to the nearest hotel, the Albergue would have been full with equally sodden fellows, so at least a room by myself would give me time to change and dry out if needed.

It was a good plan, the room was small, had a shower which even a small person could barely fit in, but at 33 euro for bed, 2 course dinner, and breakfast I could hardly complain.

It was also a short walk from the laundromat, which thankfully had full industrial driers so everything even boots went in. I knew it wouldn't dry them completely but at least remove some saturation from it.

My own stupidity netted the next touch of fortune, to simulate weight of the microfibre hoody, I'd packed in a favorite light wool sweater and forgot it.

So while I wasn't going to win any awards for my flip flops, shorts, and sweater, it was enough to get me to a laundromat.

I also bought some shopping, food for the next day and beer for the evening, I was struck by the strangest craving. All that was in my mind was yogurt, akin to obsession almost so I bought a carton and ate it. Maybe I needed calcium? Who knows.

Then I slept, and slept, and slept. Showered and then dinner. A nice soup served in a giant bowl with a ladle, then chicken with salad and pomme frits, and a ice cream bar for desert.

The staff were very kind and patient, especially with me and my non existant Spanish.

So I recommend Autobar Hotel Grado.

Despite the shortness of the day it was not without casualties.

The small camcorder I had as a back up to the phone and action camera has stopped working, I can only hope its a matter of drying out.

The pad of my right foot mixed with the water and abbrasion started on the path to a full blown blister.

So all in all a mixed blessing, I am better prepared for the wet weather now at least.

Thanks to my patrons Brendan Mills, Renee Rushbrook, Carlos Ara.