Organism rested and even a solid six hours sleep between the late night whispering and the first alarm at 6 ... not sure why, since first light is still an hour away ... anyway, a top bunk in a full 50 bed hostel is an experience and lucky enough to find it ... others turned away ... humans being a social species, mostly, groups of locals are using the 4 day break to play pilgrim to Finisterre ... the blessing of extended solitude and trusting the evening bed without reservations maybe for another time ...
Anyway, the extra early start, an early opening bar, enable a peaceful stage almost all the way without delay ... pilgrim groups going the other way ...
After first and last stop 8km out, folks from Santiago pass ... many rather late for a full day, maybe attending religious ceremonies before departing ... approach to Santiago perhaps the best of all the routes, rural, a decent Calvary before the Cathedral appears ... soon at the Hospedaria San Martin to check on pilgrim rooms at 12.30 ... no room at this inn (possibly a different chapter of the story), all rooms reserved ... ah well, it is a special weekend for the Christians ... this sceptical traveller can go elsewhere ... same story at La Salle, which provided last time San Martin was full ... on towards bus station for other options and a death cult procession passes ... sinister hooded characters, a big cross, drums evoking a resistance to the charade, or parade, and swiftly on ... a brief enquiry at a Wellness Hotel, where a single room is available ... €75 a little steep, massage not included ... and so to the bus ... Oviedo tonight, quite late, though known hotel near the bus station ... internet suggests it is full ... so this post had better go now, from the Cafeteria near Santiago Bus Station, in case tonight is spent in Oviedo Bus or Train Station ... anyway, plan for tomorrow is the train to Santander ...
At Santiago Bus Station, Mackie is waiting for the Muxia bus ... a warm reunion ... a nice coincidence ....
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