Thursday, 22 June 2017

Bueno Camino: 2017/9 Meseta continues? Ledigos to Leon.

Is it still the meseta or just a continuation of the flat open area?
The countryside is predominantly flat so the walking can be quick in the right conditions. Ledigos to Bercianos (26.9km) was level walking with quite a bit of shade - BUT it was still 38 at 5.00pm!! Bercianos to Reliegos  (20.5km) it was cloudy most of the way so okay. But a 13km section without water or facilities. Happily finished walking by 12.30. Settled into Alburgue La Parada. Only 6 bunks in room and  €7.

 Leaving Ledigos early.
A nice shady stopping point for those who use it.

 Walking into Moratinos for 7.30 breakfast stop. A nice cafe and the alburgue looked good.
Supposedly the geographic half-way point of the Camino, just before Sahagun.

 Running of the bulls was a week ago but the railings are still in place.

 Flat walking continues with shady path.
 Very quick drying of washing on rooftop of alburgue.
Sunset from rooftop.
Mixed salad.

 Apple pie.
Te Verde.

Part of  €9 menu Pellegrino. Forgot to photograph main course of fish and chips. 
Bercianos to Reliegos. (20.5km) Early morning  (6.15) heading out of town. It is cool enough at this time not to need the shade. Fortunately it stayed cloudy all day!

 The flat countryside continues with the change being what is growing in the fields.

Every small village has it's churches. 

 Nice alburgue with relaxing courtyard. The usual bunks of course.


 One of the local bars with messages.
 Another set of foodie photos for menu Pellegrino.


Mansilla de las Mulas. The last stopping point before the 'sprint' into Leon. 

5.30 and my shoes are the only ones left!

 Another sunrise  - this is a bad sign to be up so early.
The signage on the way into Mansilla in case you don't know where you will stay. 

Not everyone has their pack on their back. 



How to do the gardening on the high balconies. 





The meseta journey started at the Burgos cathedral and ends at the Leon cathedral. It is a pleasant part of the Camino journey because it is predominantly flat walking. I can agree the last few days get monotonous following the roads, but boring is too strong a word.


Monday, 19 June 2017

Buen Camino 2017/8: Carrion to Ledigos.

The first part of today is the 17km without facilities from Carrion to Calzadilla de la Cueza. Fortunately there is a 'cafe Movil' set up at about the 10km mark during summer. They do a roaring trade!
Started walking at 6.30 ( after early breakfast at nunnery) and stumbled into Ledigos at 12.30. This heatwave is a real 'monster' at the moment!
 Vernon and Wendy (Aust.) and Fidel (Colombia) at breakfast.

Heading out of town. 
 Someone doesn't need their boots anymore.
 The long flat scenery continues.
 Only a couple of shady spots enroute.
Finally arriving in Calzadilla de la Cueza after four hours in the open.

 Letting feet breath and dry off for 30 min. while having drink and food.
Jacotrans is one of the companies that delivers bags from alburgue to alburgue. 

Anyone for paella?

Collapse on bunk when finally get to Ledigos alburgue. 




Saturday, 17 June 2017

Buen Camino 2017/7:Meseta continues. Fromista to Ledigos.

The meander across the meseta continues.
Fromista to Carrion  de las Condes. 20 km.
Some of the path ran alongside the road at the start and the last part. 4 km in there is the option of an alternative route: nice and shady along the river and only an extra 0.9km.
 6.45 a.m. start.

 Following the road for part of the journey.
Fidel from Colombia along the river route. 
 Funky alburgue along the way complete with teepees.
 Kiwi enjoying the second stop of the day.
The stop was shady,  the grass cool under bare feet. Letting feet breath for 30 min. 
 One of the many churches along the way  - Ermita de la Virgin del Rio.

 Often a meal is available as you walk the way.
Two pilgrims having a rest along the way. 

 Not so far to go now!!
The landscape continues mainly flat.

Coming into Carrion finally. 

Staying in convent. Own room, pilgrim meal and breakfast for  €25. A lovely serene place. Real home grown vegetables from nun's garden. 


 The town is famous for decorating the streets with flowers during Corpus Christi.
This image is the streets in 2015.


Went to a pilgrims' mass in Santa Maria church.