Today !! – This supposedly bleak part of the Camino is something that’s imposing its grandeur on us all . This northern part of the Meseta will last until Astorga – I feel a test coming on ….. 🙏🏽

Starts with the 15th Century ‘ ruins of St Anton – main road though the middle – why not – it’s Spain ! 😆

Where hidden in the ruins is an unknown pilgrimage gem . You can stay here if you know where it is !

Run by Hospitaleria on 2 week rotation. Here’s Raoul – happy with his lot and loving his role here .

Nicked his hammock for this one …

And on the road again for Casto Jerez . A surprising mix of the ruined and the cosmopolitan.

Vote taken on opening our own Albergue!

1.00pm – Backpacks opened – contribute what you carried , stick it in the middle and splendid al Fresco lunch under rare shade with the road travelled behind . Fresh at 7.00am from the “Pano”

Tortilla Sandwiches , Tomatoes, Ends of 3 Days Chorizo ……. all good

See that road – we’re now heading down it.

Across the Bridge made famous in Martin Sheens “The Way” where he loses his backpack …..

And into Palencia ……

Always liked a good map ……. this is a whopper

And a welcome beer break from the heat with my favourite Saint … Miguel . Enhanced by a chance meeting with outrageous Hayley Elizabeth Hoole – full name means i’m fairly sure she’ll kill me 😆🤣😆😝 now ;should we ever cross paths – which is never certain on the way .

Johnny Boy – pictured with us is now called Joss (long story / online Deed poll yesterday ) – Camino normality is unique 😎

And 11k of foot dragging March later we come to our destination. Boadillas Del Camino is welcome , shut on Sundays but no one cares – the evening rituals and rest are just SO welcome .

Good food , fab hearty chicken and / or black lentil soups ( after another 32 k everyone has both 😘 ) -and simple choices Fish , Beef , Chicken – all taste divine when you’ve earnt it

Earthenware beakers of very acceptable wine 🍷 and the evening takes a familiar course 😳 – great laugh – joined by Irish Rita and her walking group –

An chilly hour after dinner in the Garden of the Alberque – all wrapped up but good .

… and bed by 9.45 . No one stays up past this on these Meseta stages , would be too tough on next days testing stage.

Blogging this from Cosy bunk – curtained by my drying gear and loudly snoring Italian guy ….. time for sleep …. and ear plugs – I brought plenty !!!

Night All xxxxx