Stage 23 Cadavedo to Luarca

Today there's breakfast again in 'my' hostel ---- it feels good. I am taking my time a bit (... or am I now, as requested, calmer) and taking more time than usual.

The Jüchen pilgrims are now starting their pilgrimage with a Mass. When I step outside, I feel a small pain in my left knee.... from the shower accident. Yesterday a beer helped, but in the early morning I decide to use Voltaren, I have a tube with me.

Michael, who is already instructing me, had sent me a photo of himself with a sword, in which a stone is stuck. I want to go there too, I spontaneously replied to him. When he sends me the position of the place, Paradiella, I am disappointed.... it's too far away from my coastal Camino. I wouldn't have been able to pull the sword out of the stone anyway, and I don't want to be 'king of Asturias'.

The path leads through tall grass, very tall, wet grass. And so it happens that my Goretex shoes exceed their limit, by far....... The socks are damp, the shoes are sparkling clean. Now I just have to avoid getting blisters, that's what I'm thinking, but changing the socks now doesn't help, sections of the path covered in tall wet grass keep coming, so I continue 'carefully' and pay special attention to my feet.

At around 10:00 am I check my hiking app ------ I only managed to walk 4 km in a straight line, but never mind, I've already experienced so many beautiful lasting impressions this morning ----- I have time.

When I take a short break, I think again of my fellow pilgrims. They are probably in Eckfeld now, having a delicious breakfast and starting a beautiful day on their pilgrimage.

I would like to dedicate a special thank you to the developers of 'Komoot', my hiking app. Without it, I wouldn't be able to navigate the winding paths at all and I would be constantly getting lost - thank you!

After the booked accommodation on Booking.com, there is a satisfaction survey. One of the answers there is: 'Exceeded my expectations' - that applies to my Camino as well.

I have already encountered the snail in the picture this morning, and now again... I'll skip the next bay, let's make some progress now.

It's noon and I have been able to claim the title of 'Mr. Wet T-Shirt' for myself..... phew, today is laundry day again, as I am also 'Mr. Wet Socks'.

The day is phenomenal again, bays, sun, and a light breeze.

After a climb I see my destination, Luarca, but wait, I've been there before and it was still almost 3 hours to Gijon. This time it's only a little over an hour.

The town is extremely inviting, characterized by the harbor with its colorful ships and a beautiful promenade with cafes, shops, and restaurants all around.

The hostel is quickly found, not really nice, but practical and close to the center.

The snail from today has definitely arrived at the destination sooner --- cheers to that!

Hopefully the socks and shoes will be dry again by tomorrow.

After the usual procedure, I quickly head to the harbor. In the warm sun, I treat myself to 2 Cortados and a beer while I write in my diary.

Surprisingly, I meet Gabriele and Horst. I 'know' them from their day trips, which they illustrate with beautiful pictures on Komoot.

Quickly shopping at the supermarket and then back to the harbor to have dinner in a nice atmosphere.

Monika also had a nice day on her pilgrimage.

Well, time to sleep now....