13.2 Miles
Beginning this much shorter day, we left early and immediately met two delightful young women from the UK, friends who are walking from Pamplona to Burgos on a 10-day holiday from work. They stayed in the same pension we had, and we enjoyed a couple of miles of good conversation before I had to go into “old-lady mode” in order to make a steep descent. (This is my new MO on descents thanks to my knee!) They soon left us behind. Actually, my knee us much better and seems to be strenthening a little more each day.
In Azofra, the first town we came to, we had gigantic and scrumptious croissants for breakfast with the standard fresh OJ in a really homey and welcoming cafe. We also bought a sandwich to go, just in case of emergency.
Birthday Celebration
Moving at what was only a couple of notches above a stroll, we came upon Beverly from Maryland. This wonderful lady is walking the entire el Camino for her 70th birthday, which is in early October! We enjoyed her company for several miles through gently rolling hills of vineyards and sunflower fields.
Ghost Town
The oddest town we’ve seen, was Ciruena. Very modern with no old city, it was like walking through a ghost town! Only one place open at the edge of town as you entered. Very strange!
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Today, we made geat time, and arrived by 1:15, giving us all afternoon to relax and rest our knees and feet. After this, we wandered around the old city which is beautifully kept, with the ancient cathedral of Santo Domingo and its separate bell tower. The town still had signs celebrating its millenium…1019 to 2019. The mind boggles!
Dale and I really loved this town. Lots of shops, including chocolate shops and nice clothing stores and a book shop. I bought a sweater, since it’s starting to grow cooler at night. And Dale decided on chocolate with chili. Wow! Delicious, but…not surprising, spicey.