We had a slowish start this morning as we needed to do some reconnaissance for Keith re transport back to Madrid from one of the towns up ahead. Not trains but there does seem to be a bus option so he will walk on for three more stages.
When we did get away the first drops of rain started falling. It was a day of dodging showers and mostly we stayed dry. Not sure why this fella was here on the pavement out of Zamora but here he was.
The stage itself was straight, flat and open.
The one little village along the way had some exercise equipment. Keith took a shining to this one - good for the hips!
A quick loosen up and it was more walking.
Ah, who is that black dot up ahead? It’s my old friend Uli from Germany. He is the only pilgrim I know who walks with a carry bag as well as a pack and an umbrella!
There was definitely more action in the sky today than on the land.
Thanks to some sage advice from my friend Mike, who walked this route last year, we knew which accommodation options to avoid in Montamarta. We are happily settled in the little albergue just on the edge of town and have just had a menu del dia in the local restaurant. The town looks about as alive as Siete Iglesias so we are glad to be sharing the albergue with Uli and a few other pilgrims. Interestingly, the hospitalero arrived to stamp our credentials in a tractor - we are definitely out of the big smoke and back in the country!
Buen Camino
Neils
P.S. Thanks to everyone who has been so kind about my double dessert yesterday. Mind you, now that I know Geoff stayed in the Parador last time he was in Zamora I don’t feel too bad! Those Parador breakfasts are to die for.
Those skies! So threatening.
ReplyDeleteCommunal meals are the best. Are the other pilgrims in the same village tonight?
¡Buen Camino!
Ken
Yes the breakfast was amazing! In 2014 I walked to Granja from Zamora where I suspect you'll be tomorrow. Your friend who walked last year may have taken the variant that you will see tomorrow before the fortress and told you about it. It was a wonderful path with spectacular views. All the road and train tracks that you will cross in the coming days were under construction and a huge disruption to the Camino...very controversial at the time. Surprised at the number of perigrinos at dinner last night. There were three or four of us in the evenings along there, but such is the changing popularity of the caminos. So pleased for you that you have been walkng a quieter route. An increasingly rarer experience today. Have a good evening and a wonderful stage tomorrow! Geoff
ReplyDeleteI am noticing that there seems to be a change on all these caminos. More formal signs, less yellow arrows. I don’t like it. For me, it takes away from the sense of pilgrimage, it seems less grounded and more insititutional, but then I probably just getting old and cranky!!
DeleteSo pleased you have reached the bustling metropolis of Montamarta - spectacular isn't it; and that you stayed at the tractor driver's albergue instead of the alternative
ReplyDeleteOnward to Granja and the Sanabres tomorrow!
Yes, Mike, a thriving metropolis indeed. There have been a few of these on the way, mind you, they are fun in their own way - they throw you back on other resources. I’d never have understood more about bull fighting if it hadn’t been for places like this. Mind you, I’d probably have drunk less vino tinto too!!
DeleteHi Neil - as always your pics and tales are delightful. I loved the double dessert (I probably would have gone at least triple), and hearing about everything you and Keith have encountered - except for the snake. I particularly enjoy hearing about your community of fellow Camino travellers and all the ways and places your paths have intersected. I'm sorry that Keith will soon leave to head home, but I'm sure he'll forever remember these wonderful days on the Camino with you. BC
ReplyDeleteYes you're absolutely right Janet. This has been an amazing experience. The way a day unfolds or doesn't is a delight.
DeleteYou walk and leave yourself in the hands of life. It decides what will happen. It's wonderful and it's something I don't forget.
Not sure where everyone ended up. We have seven in our albergue but there were many more in Zamora. Maybe in the casa rurales.
ReplyDelete