Industrialization is the reason why the average man in Europe lives more comfortably than kings and emperors did 300 years ago. It was, however, also the reason why today’s walk had some truly awful moments.

The route between Gijón and Avilés started with a steel factory and ended with another steel factory. They are huge enterprises, and it took forever to walk around them.

In between there was some decent scenery and wooded areas, at least. At the end however, the sunny weather and the stench from who-knows-what was almost unbearable. We had trouble breathing for a few minutes. Miserable.

We walked well today, at our usual pace which has stabilized at a comfortable 3 km/h, including pauses for rest, food etc. I believe yesterday’s day off helped us quite a lot.

Today I even tried walking with two sticks (we found two straight branches of eucalyptus) and it worked quite well. I’m not sure if I will continue like this. For now, however, it seems to work.

Now it is time to get some rest. Errani and Paolini have just won our first gold medal in tennis for Italy. History in the making these days. For them, and, I believe, for us.

I’m quite enjoying the Asturias. The food is good and plentiful, the cider is nice and we are having a good time, generally speaking.

We know, however, that ahead of us lie some tough days, with many hills to climb, literally and figuratively. Hopefully we can build on today’s good form and keep walking.

Like everything on the Camino, we take what comes day after day.