There were four little towns along today’s stage so we figured we’d get some breakfast without too much trouble. As it turned, out the first three towns were very much asleep at the time we walked through. Thankfully we had a couple of bananas each to keep us going.
The path was mostly sandy gravel so every now and then there was a need to pause and remove some unwanted grains from the shoes. Don’t be fooled by Keith’s puzzled look, he really does know what he is doing (seriously!).
He even remembered to stretch from time to time.
As you can see from the stretching chair, we eventually found an open bar (after only 12 kms). Beyond here, Keith had the camera.
The early hours were on wide open plains and the second half of the stage wound through a huge pine forest.
These trees were ‘milked’ for their resin and there were thousands of them.
They also had the most dramatic bark.
The forest went on - 12 kms in all. And so, we kept walking - on and on and on...
The forest started to thin as we approached Arévalo.
Arévalo is a fairly large town. Our lodging for tonight is the local sports stadium, and again we are sharing with Andreas and Louis - the two pilgrims from Alicante.. It is a challenge to find these places and get in but we have succeeded. Now we are sitting comfortably in the best tapas bar I have so far seen. In fact, it is so good we might just stay and have tapas for dinner.
I am missing my perigrina companion, but I am hoping she will soon be home and catching up on much needed sleep.
Buen Camino to you all and muchas gracias for following along.
Neil
Keith, make sure that Neil lets you have the lower bunk! You have to watch him closely I think given an earlier comment about you being in a top bunk with your injured hand. It's a camino standard curtesy that the old and injured are afforded the bottom bed. Have fun guys. Geoff
ReplyDeleteThanks Geoff. I agree. The advantage of the top bunk is that it's easier to throw things at him. When I do it from the bottom bunk they seem to come back. Having said that last night I did indeed sleep in the bottom bunk.
DeleteJust wanted to let you know how much we've enjoyed following your Camino... sounds like an amazing journey! Keep travelling well! Rob and Hilary
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely to spend a day in a forest, all fragrant and quiet... The tree bark was very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the fun in your new fellow walker - and we will welcome home your returning companion with great warmth!
I am catching up on the last two days at Sydney airport, as I wait for my Qatar flight to Canberra - last leg! I miss being on the road with you both very much - but Keith, you look like you've taken to it like a duck to water! Sounds like finding food has been a bit of a challenge at times, but in the end the Camino has provided - and your adventures in St Teresa's chook yard sound particularly amazing. So wonderful to see you enjoying this journey together. Just called to flight - will write again soon! love Sarey
ReplyDeleteBlogger isn’t cooperating today! My third try, on my third device.....
ReplyDeleteAll those encouraging words, lost. Alas!
I’m happy you’ve been fed and watered and hope for a great say’s walk. I’m also curious about the pine resin. What do you reckon it’s used for? Turpentine? Pinesol?
¡Buen Camino!
Ken