A Rest Day Before Beginning The Primitivo

Day Seven - (Camino de San Salvador Completo)

“It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

José asked me if I was happy as were walking out of Bendueños two mornings ago. I told him I was, to which he replied with a sigh of contentment, “I am satisfied.” I have thought of his comment often the past few days. To me, it speaks of being more than happy - happy is a moment. But being satisfied? That word implies to me that, regardless of all the challenges along the way, I am content with myself; everything is not perfect but there is much good. My Camino has been enough, and I am enough as well.

I thought I’d share a couple things for anyone considering doing this route - a “boots on the ground” point of view! I’ve been told by many that it is the most beautiful, but also the most challenging Camino. If you walk this, it’s important to have the lightest pack possible - there is no service to forward bags and you’ll be ascending and descending A LOT. I like to change into a simple dress at night (this allows me to wash all my clothes after a shower), but I didn’t do that once on this route. I also wore my hiking pants daily and never put on my hiking skirt (too many stinging nettles). The stages put you in places that are very small - not many town squares to spend an evening in other than Mieres, and I would rather not carried that weight. Better to buy an inexpensive dress in Oviedo if you’re doing the Primitivo afterwards and that sort of thing matters to you. I also brought my puffy vest and left my light, long sleeve microfiber jacket behind - I felt my sun hoodie and the vest would be more versatile. Won’t do that again - I missed my jacket every morning! I really liked the sun hoodie from Rab that I bought, and my Hoka Speedgoat 5’s performed brilliantly. Also, very thankful for my poles. This is not a Camino to attempt without them.

For guides, I used Wise Pilgrim and Camino Ninja. Also, Enders Guide to the Camino del San Salvador was invaluable. You can find it on the Camino Forum.

Now for a day of exploring Oviedo, perhaps take a bus to Gijón, and most importantly, spending time appreciating the moment.