This morning no one wakes me up at stupid o’clock, I’m shocked, in fact I’m probably one of the first to wake up, but I stay in bed and enjoy my lie in. By just gone six several people start whispering loudly whilst still in bed. Everyone else is up so I don’t feel the slightest guilt at making noise packing my gear and then turning on the lights…. (They should know it’s rude to whisper)!
We set off into the morning light, once again wearing our jackets, the wind is still blowing cold.
As we make our way once more across this not so barren plateau, flowers line our path between farmers land, skylarks and other birds lead us along the way, wind turbines line up across the horizon, whilst black clouds play hide and seek with the sun.
Today is another modest 21km, although as I walk I’m tempted to carry on to the next village which is a further 11km. My decision is made as we turn a corner and Castrojeriz comes into view. A beautiful old village set around the base of a hill with the ruins of what must have been a magnificent church or monastery on the top. We enter it’s narrow streets in-between charming old buildings, and pass two splendid churches before we find what looks to be a nice albergue. It’s early still and I expect a long wait before it’s doors are open. Ten minutes later we are invited in. Being the first here we choose the best beds and get an early shower before the hot water runs out. We also get our clothes machine washed & dried.
Its now half past two, I’ve explored the village. It’s much bigger than first thought. I buy some bread, cheese, ham and a tomato. That’s dinner sorted!
I doubt much else will happen today so I’ll leave you with something I saw on the wall of an albergue recently. “If you find your path has no obstacles, you’ll probably find it leads you nowhere”.