Berducedo to Grandas de Salime
12.5 miles
5/16/2019

Just when you think the Primitivo cannot get any more challenging, it always does. Today's stage involved climbing to Aerogenedores (3609') for amazing views of the Navia River, the Embalse de Salime reservoir and the surrounding mountains.

As I begin my descent from the concrete road - heading gradually toward the Navia River along multiple switchbacks, I cannot believe that I actually hear someone crazy enough to be running this Primitivo.  Before I can turn around to see who this might be, someone wraps an arm around me and wishes me a hearty HOLA!  Of course, why am I not surprised it is my wonderful new friend, Paula, who is a dual citizen of Canada and later the U.S.- now living in Washington State.  When I first met her and heard her English I mentioned that she didn't sound like most Canadians I knew. We both understood immediately why she told everyone she met that she was from Canada - none of us want to ruin our vacation with politics (ha ha).

We stopped to photograph each other at this cool slate roof and wall, then shared our contact information so we could keep in touch. And a few minutes later she was off to the races.

After almost 9 miles of walking we arrived at the incredible Embalse de Salime reservoir. What a marvel of engineering!

There was this suspended platform, called "The Whale", was ideal for Kodak moments of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.

It was also a very convenient place to catch up with some of my Primitivo peeps - Jesus (Spain), Bill (San Francisco) and Paul (Spain).

And learn the proper way to drink wine from Jesus.