As I write today's blog, I'm sitting on the terrace of our posada in Castrojeriz looking out over the valley and hills beyond. It's quite peaceful and serene here and I feel like a pampered pilgrim. To add to this pampered feeling, our posada offers massages and Becky and I took full advantage of this amenity. The kinks in my back have been kneaded away and the muscles in my legs are loosened up (all ready for our 15+ mile walk tomorrow).
We walked up and over two mesetas today with only the gently turning windmills keeping us company on these high plateaus. The terrain is very rocky and everywhere we go we see large piles of rocks stacked on the side of wheat fields. We're still passing by a few fields of sunflowers nodding to us as we go by, but they're all a little more bedraggled than they were 2 weeks ago and now aren't even turning their faces to the sun.
The weather was quite nice today (low 70's) and our 12.6 mile walk went by fairly quickly and uneventfully. Rich walked the entire route, but slowed down considerably when he had to pick his way over the rocky paths. Thankfully, he says his feet feel none the worse for wear. I don't think he'll attempt the entire 15 mile route tomorrow, however.
For the most part, we're seeing a brand new set of pilgrims on the road, although every once in a while we run into some old friends. From Castrojeriz, we now have 20 more stages, 21 more days and 283 more miles to Santiago (contrary to what the picture below says). According to my guidebook, we have walked 205 miles! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we journey toward our destination.
Buen Camino
Getting ready to leave Hornillos
View of the meseta and a typical stone pile
I think we have a little further to go than what this sign indicates
Rich picking his way down the rocky path
Ruins of a 14th century convent in San Anton
View of the Iglesia Santa Maria on the outskirts of Castrojeriz
Castle ruins above Castrojeriz
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