12.5 Miles
Another shorter day, and it turned out to be absolutely perfect weather. Sunny, but with a bit of cloud cover, and breezey…not too hot. (And now, back to the camino!)
We were treated to a spectacular sunrise! An awesome start to the day. Our road was fairly straight and level wending its way back up onto the meseta from the valley where the town is located.
Stopping for breakfast in the first town on our way, Hontanas, we enjoyed catching up with an Australian couple who had crossed our path several times.
We formally introduced ourselves and had a great conversation as we devoured fresh OJ and chocolate croissants. (Naughty, but worth every crumb!)
It Can Be the Small Things
Surrounded by such vast expanses of earth and sky, I found myself looking for details in the landscape, and discovered many different, beautiful wildflowers and, tiny butterflies with brilliant blue wings. Reminds me to refocus, leave behind the “bigger is better” mentality, and find pleasure and blessing in the little things.
Arco San Anton
We journeyed on to Arco San Anton (St. Anthony), an old archway across the way where bread used to be left for pilgrims. It is the ruin of a Monastery and hospice built in the 14th century. The order of San Anton’s sacred symbol is the T (Tau) letter and is increasingly referred to as the pilgrim’s cross, for divine protection.
The ruins hold one of the most striking depictions of Jesus’s crucifixion I’ve seen.
Reaching Castrojeriz
We completed this day’s walk along a pleasant, wide pathway as we continued to chat with our friends from Brisbane. As we entered the town, the first thing to be seen was a 14th century church, still in use. We decided to stop, paid €1 each and walked through this beautiful church with its relics and artwork. Amazing find in such a small place.
At our albergue, we greeted by our host and shown our room. With private bath. (Loud cheering!) We showered, then shared a washing machine and dryer with a couple of fellow pilgrims whom we knew. We also shared some Sangria, Tinto Verano, and olives while we waited.
Dinner was prepared by their neighbor, a Korean cook! We had Bibimbap (google it!). It was unexpected and fantastic! We enjoyed some more visiting time after dinner and then got to bed early. Longer day tomorrow, so we need an early start!