Sebrayo--Vega de Sariego--Parasites!--Oviedo

I started out walking on my own but in the tradition of last year´s walk, when I got to the first cafe, Sven was there and the others soon followed. I walked most of the day with Sven, Aleix and Lucas. We walked up, and up, and up (it was similar to the first week). The trail got narrower and narrower and thorns scratched my legs. The views were quite spectacular though--green hills, farms, a beautiful monastery in the valley below. We got to the top of the hill, exhausted and sat in a small patch of grass. After about two minutes, Aleix alerted us that there were ticks. Yes, I had about 8-10 tiny, tiny ticks all about my socks and legs. I knocked them off and kept walking. About ten minutes later we got to a small village and I continued to pick off the ticks. we stopped and rested and I lifted my shirt a bit and found about 5 more. My crackerjack medical team, (A German policeman, a Catalan film student, and a French juggler--see photo) got to work sterilizing a needle and picking them off me. It was creepy but I really appreciated their help. We continued on to the small village of La Vega de Sariego where we had a nice evening as there was a shop AND a bar. It was great. My shower was great and I think I am parasite free. I spend most of my time now with Sven. He is great. He looks after me the way I look after the 79 year old woman. He makes sure I can make it up the hills. It is pretty funny. I guess, to him, it is like I am 79. Today we walked together to Oviedo which is the largest city in Asturias. Sven is a riot. He is 27 but loves Jerry Lewis and Columbo and 70s music. Sadly, tomorrow, he will continue South on the Primitive route towards Santiago, and I will head back north to Aviles to continue on the Coastal route. The older crowd should continue on this route with me as well. I´ll just walk a couple of more days and then return home on Tuesday. We arrived in Oviedo 3 hours ago at around 2 p.m but for some reason, the albergue doesn´t open until 7 p.m. which is a bust.