Villaviciosa to Gijon - Close encounter of the fourth kind

The  Norte is full of surprises.  I made it to the beach at Gijon  and then I checked into an ‘AI controlled albergue’.  Yes that’s right - not a hospitalero/a in sight - just me,  my phone and a robot God knows where.

I checked in while I was at the second floor 

‘reception’. Every 30 seconds the light went out - which just added to the serenity - and then I got the access code via email- I even had to stamp my credencial myself 🙄. Hey but what about this view!

Lots of ascents and descents today.

And tranquil scenes.

And points of decision.

I chose to continue on the Norte rather than divert to Oviedo and start the Camino Primitivo. Glad I did - as far as I know they don’t have that much AI on the Primitivo.

Or as many apples. I tried one (‘um it had fallen right at my feet senor’). It was crisp but a little tart - probably terrific for cider though.

A snake even crossed my path.I think it was injured - maybe run over by a cyclist- felt sorry for the snake - not the cyclist (grrrr). Apologies but bikes  are very dangerous for walking pilgrims- you don’t hear them coming especially when they’re racing downhill.

Not the salubrious luncheon I had imagined- but it worked a treat.

The outskirts of Gijon were intriguing- it was like walking into Melbourne through Toorak or Sydney via Vaucluse- the Camino  signage was almost absent although discretely obvious to those in the know - even the guard  dogs barked with an articulated Spanish growl.

Nevermind- I made it to town via the river and walked among some locals.

Along the promenade.

Then I had  my close encounter of the fourth kind at the Boogaloo Hostel (should have picked it by the name 🙄)

I hope my door code works when I try to get back in 🤔 

Thankfully  it did and I had a fun night sharing an assortment of food with a couple of fguests who had successfully crossed the digital drawbridge 😂