Camino Via de la Plata, VdlP: May 14 Rionegro del Puente to Asturianos (Stage 29)

Stu and Jeanne from Holland

Wow, we really left early today we were out the door by 0530. We wanted to stay under 30 k to do that we had to go about 25 k. There were only 2 places that had any accommodations. San Salvador which was only 15 k had a small aubergue with only 4 beds. The next place Asturianos is 25k and has 6 beds. The next place is 40k. We wanted a bed before 40 k so we started early. We crossed fields of wild grasses . The fields had not recovered from the rain, so there were parts of the trail under water. We had to walk on the grass mounds trying to stay relatively dry. It was tedious. At one point the police stopped to point out the way. We finally reached our first city Mombuey. It was about 9 k walk so it was light and we could see. This of course did not stop us from getting totally lost. The trail was not marked well so we went in circles until a man stopped his car in the middle of the highway to give us directions. We found the trail plus Josette, Jean Paul and Jean Claude. They decided they had no chance of getting a bed in San Salvador so they too were going to try Asturianos. We had decided to follow the road rather then the trail because the trail had a lot of rocks and construction. I have had problems with a foot that I twisted walking in the mud and it hurts worse when I am walking on rocks. We followed the road which was a little off the camino. We arrived at Asturianos and then proceeded to ask where the aubergue was. They said it was up the hill attached to a new sports center. Both the alberque and bar are attached. There is a small room with 3 bunk beds There is a very nice shower and 3 toilets. Last night there was 2 toilets for 24 people. We are In luxury here. We arrived first then Jeanne from Holland. A man from Spain and finally are party of 3 from France. Too many people for 6 beds. Jean Paul has a mattress on the floor in the hall. The bar has wifi and we can buy a meal and drinks. There is no grocery store in town. Yesterday was Sunday and no stores were open. We have no cookies and have to go 15 k to replenish our supplies. Hard life..