DAY 12 : SPAIN : SANTO DOMINGO DE CALZADA to BELORADO : 22.9 kms - 5 1/2 hours

Distance walked in France and Spain so far : 995.5 kms
Weather : cool, cloudy with occasional sunshine : 20o

 

Today our destination was Belorado.

Setting off today on straight road beside the highway.
Main features potatoes, silver beet and pig farms.

Pelegrinos spread across acres of land
 

Relaxing in a park in a small town en route.
We chatted to a girl from Melbourne and a young
couple from Canberra who have just finished at ANU.

We spotted 3 deer in the distance.
Fair game for the shooters of the area.

Mountain ranges in the area

Belorado - next to the church of Santa Maria, which is
built up into limestone cliffs there are ancient caves, formally
used by hermits.

Our albergue just off the Plaza Mayor. 5 euros each.
Small restaurant providing evening meals and breakfast.
 

The main dormitory

Kitchen area. Many walkers prefer to prepare their own
meals.

Others prefer to eat out.
The solubrious Plaza Mayor, Belorado.
 

Many friends have been interested in our walks but would not consider this kind of communal living themselves. Today we had a walk in good conditions, with uninspiring landscape and our destination, Belorado, a non-descript town. We're not sure if it's falling down or being re-erected. With a name like Belorado and being near the Sierra mountains - we're feeling a bit Mexico / Wild West tonight. The most notable feature of the town's history was that in the 11th century the town's loyalty gave them a reduction in taxes and a market town status. We are staying in a rather crowded albergue, where we wash, sleep etc cheek by jowl.

'So why do it?' I caught myself thinking that as I grabbed my towel and washbag in a fairly public mixed space and thought 'Am I too old for this?' To which, I answered, 'Certainly not!'

I had everything organised in my pack and managed my shower, washing etc with the minimum of fuss and was proud that we could still manage and enjoy travelling this way. It certainly is a case of travelling without expectations and accepting whatever falls your way.

Onward to Santiago....

M&M

18/10/12