Camino Via de la Plata, VdlP: May 16 Sanabria to Lubian (Stage 31)

House in Lubian

Once again we were locked in our albergue . Stu managed to open a window in the dining room and out we went packs and poles included. We were warned that this was going to be a strenuous climb up to 1329 meters. In terms of the climb it was not a problem. The path through the mountains was truely beautiful and serene. One problem we did encounter was the trail itself. After about a mile of slightly rocky trail it got muddy then it developed big puddles that covered the entire trail. We had to climb up on the hill through the brambles to go around. Then the trail turned into a river and up into the water soaked hills we went to go around. This happened multiple times until we reached the top at a small town called Padornelo. We stopped to eat and had a tortilla which is a tort made out of eggs and potatoes. We also had an empanada pastry with chorizo, ham and pork in it. We then headed down the mountain on the road. We eventually were directed off the road on to a trail. It was a very rocky trail that eventually got muddy then flooded and once again turned into a river. Jean a pelegrino from Holland was with us and she turned back to take the road. We thought we could skirt the river by going up and around but ran into rock walls that wouldn't let us through. Eventually we climbed the hill to the top and onto the road. We stopped to watch a Shepard with her goats and she directed us back to a small village called Aciberos. She told us that it was the shortest way to Lubian. It turned out to a beautiful village of 44 people. The villagers directed us to the Camino and off we went. The mileage was suppose to be about 20k. We left at 0600 and arrived at 1300. We immediately found our albergue. There are 12 bunks upstairs and 4 down stairs in the kitchen. There is one very small bathroom with a toilet and a shower. Very tight quarters. No room to turn around. But, we are all happy the day is over and we are together.