Colunga to Villaviciosa

We had breakfast in bed (chocolate pastries) and headed out into the cool of the morning. The day got hotter, all the churches were closed, and there were no coffee shops! The hills got steeper, the sun got hotter and we stopped at a closed church consecrated in 921, the oldest on this part of the Camino. Apparently it had old wall paintings and the key was available from the hostel nearby, which of course was closed on Mondays. We stopped for picnic lunch and chatted to the Australian couple we had met a few days ago, and who turned up at the picnic tables. The next section still went up and down, and the sun was still hot, but there were some shady country paths which was a relief. We nearly missed a fabulous pilgrim rest stop, common in France but rare here, with shade, tables, water and vending machines. A most welcome break! Arriving in Villaviciosa, the apple and cider centre of Asturias, we located our hostel quickly, but couldn't get in until we phoned a lady who it turned out we had interrupted having her lunch next door! We wandered around the town, visiting three (open) churches, and had a hot chocolate and churros. After stocking up on our supplies, Sue cooked a delicious chicken stew for supper, and we chatted a little with the other guests.