July 10, day 16

Depart Hornillos del Camino at 9:20. Arrive Castrojeriz at 3:55. Mileage 13.6.

As the weather indicated, it was a scorcher today and most of our journey was open air without shade. The battle between us and the sun was no contest. Sun won.

Yup, this hotel has a washer dryer. So Caleb has clean clothes and I’ve been able to wash what I didn’t hand wash yesterday.

The days are starting to melt together. I’ve had to look back at photos to recall what took place today. It could also be the heat.

More wheat fields. But we also came across a number of memorials. Sad, really.

It was a solitary day for us. Not much conversation as the surroundings and heat could not inspire us with anything witty. Good thing we brought our friends. They look bigger than us!

Fortunately, we stopped for an early lunch when we heard music and spotted a place not too far off the road. We sat inside as the view was almost like a winery. Use your imagination 🥴. Good thing we stopped as it was the only town we saw today before reaching the hotel.

We did get a break from beige wheat and passed through what appeared to be some sort of herb fields. I couldn’t get close enough to identify it, but very pastoral.

Having talked to Terry tonight, he says we are in garlic country. So we were probably in garlic fields. Couldn’t smell it.

We passed through San Anton which has old ruins of a convent. It also has a hospital for peregrinos (pilgrims). We didn’t go in the hospital, as it really looked more like a hostel.

From here, it was a real adventure to reach our destination. Google maps, unlike Siri, is our friend. The signage was lacking and we strayed a bit before getting back on track. In addition to the heat factor, the way to our hotel was twisty and uphill. We had a drink at the hotel bar before even checking in.

I know it doesn’t look like much, but Castilian soup (also known as garlic soup) was amazing. Ingredients are bread, olive oil, paprika, chicken stock and garlic. Followed by chicken cooked in beer – very tender and delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed dinner.

There’s a heat alert in the area. Tomorrow is projected to get to 94 degrees. I’ve talked Caleb into leaving a bit earlier than usual in the morning. Will see how we do, as it’s over 15 miles to Fromista, our next stop.

Thought of the day – I have led such a charmed life. So wonderful to have lovely family and friends. I’ve traveled, enjoyed my work, and am fortunate to have good health enabling me to experience this journey. What new adventure awaits?

whiteannamarie8

4 responses to “July 10, day 16”

  2. After your night in Hornillos del Camino, you will continue walking in the peaceful vastness of the Meseta, with only nature and huge crop fields around you. After leaving Hornillos, the Camino de Santiago gradually climbs up a plateau before descending to the valley of the River Bol and the pretty town of Castrojeriz. In Castrojeriz, you can visit the 9th century hilltop castle, recently reopened to visitors. Castrojeriz celebrates its Garlic Festival in July.

    So says Camino Ways description of today’s journey.

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  3. What ever do you mean new adventures? You haven’t even finished this one. That garlic soup makes sense when you think about as Terry said you are in garlic country. It does not look much like Gilroy however. We are still moving in today. Our dog sitter came over to spend some time with Poppy and our Gardener. Landscape designer came over for a while. Both of those things are good and then late this afternoon. We just got our outdoor lounge chairs for our outdoor dining table. Which will also double as our indoor dining room table chairs until sometime in October. Thank you so much for posting stuff every day. It’s just wonderful.

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