Celorio to Ribadesella

September 8, 2024

Cave Art

Temperatures were a pleasant 54-69 degrees. The highlight and purpose for the short day was visiting the cave of Tito Bustillo. This cave is a world heritage site. After a long walk through the current entrance we arrived at the main gallery of art. Horses and reindeer were clearly depicted some on a red ochre painted background, by black lines, one horse was done in a dark violet unique to this group of Paleolithic paintings.

Pictures inside Arredondo of prize bulls.

View of pasture in morning light as riding off.

Town along the way with mountains in the background.

Beach near Llanes. Surfing is popular in Spain. Wetsuits were worn with bright colored t shirts over them in Celorio

Yesterday we saw our first corn fields. More today.

Walked to the Cave Tito Bustillo. The cave is located deep inside the rocks in the picture.

The cave was discovered in 1968. They entered through a hole on ropes.

Please read these panels for a brief look into the cave’s history. Pictures were not allowed inside the cave but there was a great museum.

Reproduction of part of the main gallery.

The cave system was created by an underground river cutting through limestone.

In contrast to the small close space Hornis de la Peña Tito Bustillo is cavernous. The new entrance (the prehistoric entrance collapsed thousands of years ago) after a short walk leads to a large 2 or 3 story dome like space before continuing on.

At least 9 groups of cave art have been found.

Oil lamp light. Ropes to descend.

Entrance to the cave looks small but no ducking was needed. We stopped in several large “rooms” . The guide gave his spiel in each in very fast Spanish.

Although I could not understand the guide I felt privileged to see such a rich colorful collection of cave art in person.

Today's ride: 16 miles (26 km)
Total: 267 miles (430 km)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	2
Comment on this entry	Comment	0