DAY 20 : SPAIN : TERRADILLOS DE LOS TEMPLARIOS to CALZARDILLA DE LOS HERMANILLOS - 26.9 kms - 6 hours

Distance walked in France and Spain so far : 1154.2 kms

Weather : showery, mist clearing to a sunny cool day : 12 o






 

We passed through Sahagun today to reach Calzadilla
de los Hermanillos



It was showery this morning but quite pleasant walking.
The second town we entered, San Nicolas del Real Camino,
had bodegas (cellars) dug into the hills. Not only used
for storing wine but used as a workshop.

 

Despite the drizzle it was a good day's walk. The colours
 were really heightened - dark browns, vibrant yellows of
the Poplar trees.

We passed through Sahagun and the
impressive Arco San Benito, population of 170,000.
It is a sizeable town for this region. It has a history back
to Roman times and it was also a target for Arab invasions.

We found a lovely cafe for an early lunch of a cheese and
ham bocadillo. Here is Mark adjusting his pants - yet again-
after all the weight he has lost. He is looking trim and
terrific. Sadly, all my clothes fit perfectly - cruel, when you
think that I'm doing twice the number of steps he is, with
my shorter legs.

The owner of the cafe and patisserie kept bringing us
delicious treats to sample.

High fashion on the camino - Irish-style -
and he probably hasn't washed those
sexy shorts - ever!

Leaving Sahagun on the Puente Canto. This was originally a Roman
bridge. The Poplar trees in the background are known as The Copse
of Charlemagne's Lances. Legend has it that the lances of his army
turned to saplings after they were planted in the earth there. An ominous
sign to the forthcoming battle with the Moors which was to litter the area
with corpses.
 

A long and monotonous walk by flat farmland fields.
Unlike yesterday, when we walked in a group, today we
didn't see many people and walked by ourselves.

 

Suddenly a glimpse in the distance of church towers and
the promise of a town nearby.

 

Our destination today was the small town of Calzada de
los Hermanillos, which was originally built by the monks,
The Little Brothers of the Road, who welcomed pilgrims.
We have decided to stay in a private albergue that has
double rooms with bathroom (35 euros) and has a restaurant attached.
Luxury....
 

 



 M&M
26/10/12