Not long after we checked into our delightful old room in San Martin, the thunder started, and then the hail, and then the rain. There’s almost nothing nicer than being cosily inside while the weather rages and we were glad the fates had conspired to land us not in the local sports stadium for the night!
Thunder storms continued through the night and in the morning we were greeted with the sound of solid rain - more shades of Galicia. Needless to say, we were not so keen to get up and going. When the rain showed no signs of easing, however, there was nothing for it. On went Julío and Lola, our trusty red ponchos, and off we went ... via the nearest open bar for a heart warming breakfast of cafe con leche y tostadas. Please forgive Sarah, it is a bad hair day on the road (lucky Lola has a hood!!).
Most of the rest of the walk was in rain. This being the case there are fewer photos. As you can see, the off road stretches were pretty boggy in places.
It wasn’t always obvious how to get through without swimming, but get through we did.
Actually, it was a glorious path. The mountainous landscape was beautiful and the narrow track wound through mossy covered granite rock formations and over graceful old stone bridges.
Actually, it was a glorious path. The mountainous landscape was beautiful and the narrow track wound through mossy covered granite rock formations and over graceful old stone bridges.
This wonderful medieval bridge captured my imagation and I spent quite a while trying to get around rocks and brambles for a good shot. I couldn’t quite get what I was hoping for but here are a few perspectives.
From there it was a steady climb to our destination, again aided by the indicating of direction by a couple of helpful locals who seemed to be keen to ‘participate’ in our journey.
Cebreros is a really nice hillside town. We have managed to solve all the clues to finding and getting into the municipal albergue (it is at the back of the local swimming pool and the key is held by the hospitality training school another 100 metres up the road). Our boots are drying and muddy socks are washed. Now for something to eat and some provisioning for tomorrow. The rain has stopped now but more is forecast for tomorrow, and we’ll pass through no villages on our way. It’s short stage - 18km - but it will take us over the highest point of the whole Camino Levante, and involve ascending more than 500m (followed by a 250m descent), so we might need elevenses!!
Buen Camino
Neils and Sarah
I'm glad the thunderstorm and the hail held off until you reached your destination--that would be unpleasant walking--but I'm also happy that you met the rain today with such positivity. There's nothing you can do except carry on walking!
ReplyDelete¡Buen Camino!
Ken
.☔️.. Falls mainly in the hills? Well done Julio and Lola! It is about time you saw some action, and it looks like there's more to come hey Neil and Sarah - 🏊.?might be a possibility. How well your images and notes convey your Camino - from lady bugs to bulls, to bridges, helpful locals, poppies, moss covered rocks, functional municipal albergues, cosy casa rurals, cafe con leche and tostadas - to living and breathing the rhythm through sun, rain, and distant thunder. Hope your feet and Julio and Lola continue to come through for you.
ReplyDeleteKeep on - and mindful, we are with you
Mike