Enjoying the beauty of nature on the Camino to Fromista

Nothing ever stays the same - I really enjoyed the village of Castrojeriz on the last two Caminos, but this time around the village presented itself unfavorable: churches were turned into museum, which only give out the pilgrim stamp after you pay the entrance to the museum, the Posada Emebed was always one of my favorite: it’s owner/manager was almost hostile this time, the pilgrim mass scheduled for 19:00 did not take place - no information or notice given and the food in the only real restaurant was not as local and tasty as before. 

I take a larger breakfast at 7:00 am knowing that I need some energy to climb up the table mountain 

, Alto Mostelares, just 3 km out of the village. Giving myself some time for digestion I start the day‘s walk at 7:30. The US youth group from diner last night is all spread out in front of me I realize as I pass by the first pilgrims. I get my sticks ready for the 12% incline - ups, there is another taste of the jam toast from breakfast - I need to slow down!

Reaching the top of the table mountain I am rewarded with a phantastic view on the region and the neighboring table mountains. But the way already declines again with 18%!

Today is an other challenging but super nice Camino: no traffic noise, beautiful weather and breath taking landscape.

Just after the chapel of San Nicolas, an old stone bridge crosses the river Pisuerga into the province of Palencia.

The village Itero de la Vega welcomes us pilgrims with a colorful graffiti, but as no open cafe can be found I continue onwards. The guidebook claims that this dirt road is ‘ideal’ to catch blisters on your feet - I hope my hiking boots will protect me.

After another 9 km I reach Boadillo de Camino and find a hotel/ cafe next to the church which was open. At least 20 pilgrims hang around in the lounge area - I head straight for the bar. Since I spot a Brazilian flag and the bartender looks Brazilian I greet him in Portuguese, ‘ Bon dia, todo bon?’ That out a big smile on his face and it seems he puts extra efforts to prepare my cafe con latte and various drinks.

I wish I could stay here for the night as my feet, my humble servants, tell me: enough for today. But I head out for the last 6 km along the Canal de Castilla. The 207 km long canal was built in the 18/19 century and served for ships to carry down the farmer’s harvest. The ships were pulled by donkeys, now there is a zero emission idea. Today the canal only serves for irrigation of the surrounding fields.

I finally make it to Fromista, Storch nests with young bird parents to be found all over the village, love this place already. I will give my feet the well deserved rest until tomorrow.