Day 17 Cate’s update 22nd  May 2019 (Hontanas to Castrojeriz)

Today was planned as a semi rest day, with Nodge’s blisters in mind. Not the best nights sleep as we roughed it in a twin room with shared bathroom facilities. With said facilities right next to our room and very squeaky beds it was a disturbed night.


 We didn’t leave the hostel until 9am as we only had 6 miles to walk. We enjoyed the gently undulating countryside - lovely array of colourful flowers  peppered the barley and wheat crops. The sun shone, the sky was blue, we have truly slowed down to walking pace and are loving it.


The slow and gentle pace.......


The ruins of the old Convent at San Anton
I didn’t realise just how long and difficult it is to truly slow down; to allow yourself not be affected by time pressures and other commitments and expectations. The Camino certainly gives you this. We stopped at a ruined convent which was very peaceful and serene. Part of the ruined building formed arches that the quiet country road passed through. Just beyond it, we stopped again for a drink at a ramshackle bar in an old cowshed. The chilled out, joint smoking, barman was wearing a green Irish rugby top and was very friendly. The gentle sound of jazz and classical music that was being played added to the unique atmosphere.


Our destination, Castrojeriz, comes into view

I was nervous about this undertaking (the Camino), as it is so much more than just a walking holiday.  The daily walk gives you purpose and the feeling of achievement. You get to chat and maybe have dinner with people of all nationalities who you may or may not see again; but you share that moment and a common goal. You have time to think, to have random memories’, to process emotions, to count your blessings ,to make plans all as you walk and absorb the beauty of this part of Spain.

Visiting the churches enhances the experience of personal reflection.  With the increase of mental health stresses it would be best prescription for many people to come and do this, but it must be undertaken with an open mind and an open heart to truly get its benefits. If anyone is interested, we do have an extensive Camino library.

It is a pleasure to share this with Nodge, but I think being a couple perhaps reduces the connection with other pilgrims. We are enjoying chatting, reminiscing and sharing this experience. He so much better than me at trying out his Spanish, and ordering the drinks. His super sense of direction is needed occasionally but most of the time you just follow the yellow arrows, blue Camino signs or the shells.


H'es got a new woman in his life!!


Tonight (Wednesday) we are staying in a caravan/mobile home similar to those we used to holiday in with Robbie and Lara in France. It’s good to enjoy having a bit more space than our usual Hostal room. The downside is no internet.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is a much longer walk (approx. 17 miles), so we have decided to have a 6am start to experience the sunrise, and get some miles done in the cool of the morning. We have also arranged for the baggage transfer service to take our packs so we can enjoy the walk even more.

So all going well so far; and into the Camino lifestyle


Cate xx


Comments

  1. Unknown28 May 2019 at 04:39

    Well done to you both its some mileage you have under your belt and sounds as if the experience will be life changing :-) such an achievement x

    ReplyDelete

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