The branch route of the Via de la Plata that crosses through Galicia has its own tradition and name, the “Camino Sanabres”. In truth, today’s walking has been the most pleasant of my Spanish summer. AJ and I spent the morning in the cool shade of canopying forest before climbing up and over the 1,329 meter “Portillo de Padornelo” mountain pass. The forest was mostly Holm Oak but a treat was giant Chestnut patriarchs and plantations of their smaller, well tended offspring. In the tiny mountain village of Aciberos, AJ charmed a woman into trying to start up for us a small water powered flour grinding mill. The skirted woman clambered up on its antiquated works clearing debris from its brush clogged mill race to no avail. With elevation, temperatures have moderated delightfully. We’ve reached Lubián (KM 778) with its municipal refugio being the first building that you encounter at the edge of the small mountain town.
