We’ve found the Camino to be busier than it was last year. We suspect that this is due to many people starting at the beginning of May and they have now arrived at this section. 1st May is when the Pyrenees are safe to cross at the high level. Even so fellow pilgrims are reporting they crossed in snow just two or three weeks ago.
There’s no risk of snow here but it remains chilly in the morning. The temperature is gradually increasing in the afternoon and was around 16° today. The sun is warm when it comes out. We’ve been spared rain during the day over the last six days though it has rained over night leaving many puddles to negotiate.
As many pilgrims are pushing on through to Santiago they like to get going promptly. We’ve realised that although we do need to be packed by 8 and leave our suitcases, there’s no need to breakfast by then. This morning we had a relaxed breakfast and were the only ones there.
Our route today was through more varied landscape with plenty of turns in the way. Although we were parallel with a road it was quiet and did not intrude much. We’ve walked 22 km today.
On times we had the road to ourselves which was very pleasant. We also chatted with others as we walked along. It turns out that author Lisa is keen on textile crafts so she and I had a good conversation on this subject. There are a number of trogloditic dwellings. It must have been a poor lot for many.
Our flower of the day was spartium junceum or Spanish broom and interspersed with robinia pseudoaccacia trees. The fragrance of both was delightful.
As we neared Sahagún we came to a lovely spot with a Roman bridge, a hermitage and a pleasant sitting area. This was also the halfway point of the whole Camino marked by two statues.
We’ve walked 129 km in the last six days and are looking forward to a well earned rest day. It will be nice not to have to pack our bags first thing. There are several old churches to explore tomorrow.
Julian and Beryl's camino 