Fromista to Carrion de los Condes

Tuesday 17 May 2016 - Day 20

Fromista to Carrion de los Condes - 21km

Here's shot of me getting ready for bed last night. Lucky to score a bottom bunk, the top ones were really high with no sides.

Woke fairly early as my walking partners were keen to get going. This was my first morning pack up done totally in a dark room... had to double check everything. Was thankful for the red-light on my headtorch. Walking today with Helen from Noosa, and Jackie and Steve from Bunbury WA.

Walked alongside the highway for 3.5km until our second breakfast stop at Poblacion de Campos. Elected to take the slightly longer alternate route today, as the main Camino track went along the highway for about 16km.

Our route took us along a remote track beside forest. Helen and Steve lead and Jackie and I followed a way behind. This track was flat and very peaceful.

We passed through the small village of Villovieco, where we stopped for a short break beside the bridge.

From here we closely followed the rio Ucieza along shaded paths until we reached the Ermita de la virgen del Rio and the road.

Stopped to get some clothes off...heating up again. Here's me with Helen.

We made our way out to the main Camino route via a roadside lush with wildflowers, and a cafe with Abba music playing. In the heat along the highway, we joined the procession of pilgrims plodding onwards. Our alternate way was beautiful with few pilgrims...I found the highway walking hot and uninspiring.

I was really very tired on reaching Carrion de los Condes. My feet were burning and I'd had underfoot cramps for most of the day. Calves also cramping badly.

Some special occasions to celebrate, so fabulous accommodation tonight at Hostel Santiago. Helen and I shared a lovely room with plenty of space. Went out straight away to buy Helen some sandals and eat lunch. We then took turns having a long soak in our bathtub...nice!

For dinner we meet up with four guys from Busselton WA, Camino named 'The Busso Boys'... Barry, Gary, Ian and Kevin. We celebrated Jackie and Steve's 13th wedding anniversary, as well as Steve and Barry's birthdays. An excellent meal and good company.

I have been blessed to find lovely folk to share my walk with. Friendships are formed quickly on Camino.