First though, and before I explain, I need to tell you some shocking news ! Last evening, we missed our Gin and Tonic 🙈🙈🙈…can you believe it ? No I know it’s hard to believe , but we did !!! We had decided to eat in the hostel ( boutique please remember 😉) at 7 pm and by the time we’d rested and I’d written to you Dear Reader, it was too late!!! Ah ..there we go …so I blame you …🤣🤣🤣…anyway we haven’t shrivelled up or turned a funny shade of pale so please don’t worry about us !
We did make an effort and dress for dinner though
Anyway we set off on today’s section early (07.40) in order to (hopefully) avoid the hottest part of the day .u We walked past the cathedral …
We had wanted to go inside yesterday, but at 5€ each for a short visit, we declined… but apparently amongst the many beautiful statues live a cockerel and a hen. Regardless, we wouldn’t be seeing them 🤣🤣
Then we left Santo Domingo de la Calzada over the Puente de Santo….
We continue on our way , leaving behind what we now know is an area famous for potato growing . We had left before full sunrise and the scenery was spectacular…
I know these photos don’t do the surroundings justice, but if they give you a tiny inkling of what we are witnessing , that is good enough for me !
As we approached the first village on our way , by the smell in the air, there were quite a few pigs around . How do I know you ask… because I took my grandchildren to Cannon Hall Farm before I started this stretch of the Camino, and the smell of pig is unmistakable!!!!
As we walked through the village , we passed the Church …beautiful inside and a haven of peace and quiet…..
Then we spied a stain glass window showing every pilgrim the way ….
On leaving the village, again the surrounding countryside was vast and beautiful…
It is just past this photo that we “crossed the line” so to speak ! We left La Rioja and crossed into Castilla y Leon! No passport required you’ll be pleased to know …in fact, the crossing passed by more or less unnoticed.
However, because I know you like to know as many facts as possible for the pub quiz …. let me tell you that Castilla y Leon is the largest autonomous region in Spain with an area of 95,000 square kilometres! It is 11 times the size of the region of Madrid yet has a population of only 2.5 million which is less than half that of Madrid !!! Certainly we witnessed an area today that was very sparsely populated!
We stopped here for coffee, having by this point walked for three hours!!!
Then we set off again , stopping at the church in Castildelgado…
We passed through Viliria de la Rioja …a tiny village with a population of approximately 90…allegedly the birthplace of Saint Dominic . The village was born/built in 1019 and it is clear they had great celebrations in 2019 . The Church is beautiful outside as you can see ….
Finally we arrived in Belorado…and at our hotel which is where “ zombie longed frolics” come in . Of course that is our location on the “ my three words” grid for those of you who thought I was completely losing it!!!!
We went for lunch but will skip the detail …the white wine was delicious, and at 1€ 20 for a 175 ml glass , excellent value . The chicken burger on the other hand was disgusting …anyway, don’t worry, we won’t starve 😉😉😉
This Church is built up against the surrounding limestone cliffs and the ancient cave dwellings are still visible behind the Church!
Now today , despite being very hot, has been an easier ( if at times tedious) hiking day ! I certainly feel better at the end of today’s walk than I did at the end of yesterday’s . However, this is what we have to contend with tomorrow….
This is our route ….
Today I’m going to leave you with something Kathleen saw on a road sign.. it took us a couple of seconds to get it , but it’s good advice ..
“ Lose your anger, ……and don’t go to Lost Property’
Until tomorrow Dear Reader …..
Camino Romero 
Sounds like you have another tough day ahead today!
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