Day 12

Our first sunrise hike, leaving Ciruena, was spectacular! As we left the village, the sun first broke with a ray that illuminated the bell tower in the church. As we walked and the sun cleared the horizon, it produced vivid green and gold hues that flooded the fields on both sides of our path as we walked 3.5 miles to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Santo Domingo de la Calzada was the first of four towns we would see today, and perhaps the most interesting and beautiful. By Camino standards, with a population of 6,500, a nice size village, with every imaginable service. Included in those services was an ATM – a necessity on the Camino since the EURO is typically the exclusive form of payment. No EURO – NO BED! Four miles later we climbed a long steep incline to the town of Granon. Not much to see, except the Iglesia San Juan Bautista, a 15th century church. From there we passed through four more small towns, Redecillla de Camino, Castildegado, Viloria de Rioja, and Villamayor del Rio on the way to our final destination of Belorado. Counting our short walk around Belorado, we walked a total of 20 miles today! Everyone seems to be in good shape and even better spirits. Buen Camino!