Sept 21 – Compiello

“The earth has music for those who listen.” — George Santayana

Just when I thought the trail had shown me all its beauty, leaving Tineo proved me wrong. The climb lifted us into a countryside so vast it felt like stepping into another world. Hills rolled out in every direction, stitched together in a patchwork of greens, with strokes of yellow and gold catching the morning light as if the land itself were painted fresh each day. We found ourselves commenting on the beauty around us multiples times. The air seemed sharp and clean, tinged with the sweetness of wild grass…pure oxygen.

We could hear the cheerful chirps of birds and the distant call of a crow cutting across the silence. Even the sound of boots on the path felt like part of the rhythm of this living canvas. It wasn’t just scenery, it was an experience.

Walking toward Campiello meant yet another uphill stretch, but the climb felt effortless with the sweeping, 360-degree views all around. A light rain fell throughout the day, not as a nuisance but as something that deepened the experience—freshening the air and sharpening the colors of the landscape. These days on the trail feel rich and rewarding, even as Tuesday and Wednesday approach, bringing with them the infamous “ass-kicker” routes, beloved (and dreaded) for their relentless, steep ascents.

With every twist and turn of the trail today, more stunning views of this area just kept appearing. Eventually we descended a bit into the very small town of Campiello with a few buildings and pilgrim Albergue. Luckily it also has an attached restaurant. It was a welcome shelter from the rain coming in behind us, and we were able to eat some lunch and watch the sky open up to a downpour in the warmth and dryness inside.

For those interested here’s where I am currently on this path.

My thoughts: It’s never lost on me how special this area of Spain is. The nature, the beauty, the crisp air at higher altitudes. Again feeling grateful to be here and experience this path.