CAMINO DAY 17

A beautiful morning on the Camino (once again) and a very appropriate venue to celebrate 40 years of marriage to the love of my life! Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) in Spain – and Jim and Dee Dee’s wedding anniversary – in the U.S. Who could have ever imagined that we would be spending 40th year of our marriage walking 500 miles across northern Spain?? 

As we left Castrojeriz at 7:30 am this morning the temperature was a cool (37 degrees F) and we had a 12 to 15 mph wind at our backs to ensure we layered our clothes and had our jackets on – at least at the beginning. That quickly changed as we hit the base of a mountain trail that climbed at a steep 12 degree angle, for about 3/4 of a mile. At the top, despite the cold temperatures, everyone quickly removed their coats or vests. 

From there we set out for another mile across a high plateau, with windmills and snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Then, we hit a very steep, 18 degree drop down the mountain to the valley floor. Very tough on the knees! 

Walked a total of 7 miles before stopping in Itero de la Vega for an excellent breakfast. Had a brief stop and visit at the 5.8 mile point to see a 13th century hermitage, Ermita de San Nicholas. From there we hiked 5.0 miles to Bacadillo del Camino. Here, our party split up for the night. Vickie and Steve stayed at a very nice albergue, while the rest of us walked 3.6 miles to the town of Fromista. Two important things we are learning about the Camino this year. First, there are many more people walking then we expected. Today, we looked back at the valley as we climbed a long hill and it resembled a long string of ants marching across the Meseta. Secondly, it is imperative that we project our forward route and pre-book reservations many days out. Otherwise, accommodations are very tentative, if available at all! I think this is a rather new Camino issue as pilgrims are doing this at increasing rates.