Last night at the albergue in Hontanas was a fantastic experience - the Camino being family. It was a great way to prepare for today's walk. Little did we know that we would need that inspiration.
Arlene Wanted a Photo of Me - Por Que?
The Trail Joins The Asphalt - A Single Boot?
San Anton Tau Cross
Ruins of San Anton
The Possibility of What Is to Come
Nice Concrete Work
Castrojeriz Village
Serious Renovation Here For Peregrinos
Ancient Camino Way Mark
Sign Explaining The History of Walk Way
Nice And Flat Here - The Calm Before The Storm?
Really? Yes Really
A Lot of Happy Peregrinos - Bikers and Walkers
Starting Out Again - Flat Meseta Now
Team Photo By Monument - Happy Times
Remember the Meseta Is Dry and Hot
Surprise - The Downhill is 18 Degrees Down!
Solid Concrete - Great for Bikes - Not So Great For Feet
Crossing the River
Rio Pisuerga
Getting Close To Itero
Itero Welcome Sign
2 Kilometers Left For Today
Albergue! Time To Shower and Rest
Asphalt Road Option
As we began our walk we found we had the option of waking the quiet asphalt road or the pilgrim trail which veered off and then paralleled the road. Having been warned about the muddy conditions on the trail from last night's rain by a young peregrino - we took the dry road option. Quiet - shady - this worked well for the first 5 kilometers of the day.
In The Distance - Arco San Anton
When It Was Habitated - The Town People Left Bread In These Spaces For Peregrinos
A Small Hostel Is All That Remains Here
Road Sign for Camino
As we approached this sign - two older women called out for us to wait - we paused as they approached - then they opened their hands and offered us some hard candies - the one smiling and showing that she had one in her mouth - two angels out of nowhere - a pleasant surprise.
The two angels offering more candy to a peregrino behind us
Flat Asphalt Walking - What Is In The Distance?
Hilly Terrain
Freshly Poured Oil Causes A Diversion
Our path was blocked by men pouring oil and laying fresh asphalt - luckily a slight detour through the field - over a block wall - through a narrow passage - got us back on track - no problem for a peregrino - even those with bikes made it through
Break Time - Coke and Potty
Bikers Gathering
Castle Ruins Looming in The Distance
Town Square
Notice How Clean The Streets Are
Fountain Square
Tourist Area?
Leaving Castrojeriz
Heading Back to The Meseta
Walking On An Old Roman Aqueduct?
Looking Back You Can See The Ancient Blocks of Roman Wall
Modern Bridge Continues Walk Way Over River
River Bed
Modern Car Bridge Over River
River Bed Has Seen Better Days
Still Looking Good - Too Good To Be True
No Worry Here
Then out of the blue - what is this- no way! A 12 degree inline for the next 1+ kilometers?
NO Way To Go But Up
Finally - Almost To The Top
Looking Down - No Quitters Here
View From The Top - It Only Takes Time and a LOT Of Effort
The Prize At The Top
Resting in the Shade After a Valiant Effort
Time to Rock and Roll
Sharp Edge Don't Fall Over
Back to Flat Ground Lots of Bales of Hay
Country Roads Final Trail - Almost
Always Following the Yellow Arrows
Another 20 kilometer day - feet tired but no new blisters. That 12 degree hike up to the Meseta and the 18 degree walk down was challenging - but we made it along with a lot of other pilgrims. Feeling good right now. we arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon - showered - Arlene washed our clothes - drying now. Now to see if my Spanish is good enough to snag us a taxi for Saturday morning - we are hoping to be able to be in Leon by Saturday afternoon so we can celebrate Dale's 68th birthday on Sunday the 8th. We will see what happens - maybe a day or two of rest to mark the ocassion.
Special hello to Jason/Nisha - Ryan/Sandi/Matthew/Gaby/Zack
Buen Camino
Dale and Arlene
What great pictures and wonderful story- thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHola from the UK. I walked the camino in April and May this year in company with a fellow countryman of yours who put me onto your blog which I am enjoying reading. I was intrigued by your article above about the two elderly ladies handing out sweets (candies) on the approach to Castrojeriz. I had the same experience exactly as you describe it at the same location. Like you I felt that they were two of the Camino Angels. Enjoy the rest of your walk. Buen Camino, Andy from the UK.
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