DAY 16 : SPAIN : HORNILLOS DEL CAMINO to CASTROJERIZ - 20.2 kms - 5 hours

Distance walked so far in France and Spain : 1064 kms

Weather : warm, clear : 20o

Our destination today : Castrojeriz

Today we were prepared for rain but it was a spectacular day. Beginning with a fabulous sunrise - we began walking with our headlamp at 7.30 - and the dawn over the expansive plain was breathtaking. Initially, we passed fallow fields, which seemed to reach the horizon. Windmills broke the monotony. After about 11 kms we descended into the little town of Hontanas, tucked in a fold of the meseta. The bar was a very popular rest point as it was the first port of call for breakfast.

Sunrise over the Meseta

 

Fallow fields reaching to the horizon

 

Wind turbines on the horizon

 

 

Hontanas - a fold in the meseta

 

Jeremy having tortillas for breakfast. He walked with us
on the Via Podiensis - lovely to catch up after a few weeks.

 

We walked along the road with popular trees, in Autumn colours, bordering our way. Then we passed under St Anthony's X1V century archway. It is now a ruin but part of the property has been developed as a small albergue, now closed for the season. There are alcoves in the arches on the road where bread was left for medieval pilgrims. I have to add, as you know I love the stories of the saints, some information about this order. The hermit, St Anthony of Egypt, was a patron saint of animals. The order's sacred symbol was a T, known as Tau, symbolising divine protection against evil and sickness. The order was known for its ability to cure the medieval scourge known as St Anthony's fire - a fungal skin disease which often turned gangrenous leading to death. Handy information!

St Anthony's Arch over the camino.

 

 

Local ladies who gave us lollies to wish us well.

 

Castojeriz - the castle towering over the town.

 

 

Our destination today was Castrojeriz. A population of 600 - and the guide says that they seem to be all permanently on siesta, except for the garlic season. In fact, we noticed a lot of activity today, particularly in renovation and restoration, from the 1X century castle on the top of the hill to buildings along the main route of the town. We are staying in a very friendly albergue, for a donation. The volunteers are an English/Spanish couple who welcomed us warmly and are very proud of the facilities, which include a wonderful view from a sunny terrace, garden..and a simple centrifuge, which spin dries your clothes in a few minutes...wish I could fit it in my pack.

Castrojeriz

One of the two municipal albergues in Castrojeriz

 

The welcoming volunteers with Ingrid (England),
Jaqui (Melbourne) and Sebastian (Austria)

 

The amazing spin dry centrifuge

 

View from our albergue terrace towards our destination
tomorrow.



It is such a gorgeous afternoon, quite a contrast from the cold (and wet) weather we have experienced in the last week. We are sitting in a hotel courtyard enjoying the sunshine with a group of fellow walkers, hoping that tomorrow will be the same...


M&M
22/10/12