Day 18 – Terradillos De Los Templarios to Calzadilla De Los Hermanillos

my luxury albergue for the night (15 Euros)

When I started the Camino a couple of weeks ago, every thing was a bit stressful – a bit like the first day at secondary school, if your memory goes back that far. Getting to know the ropes, understanding what is required of a pilgrim and what one can expect for dinner etc.

Trying to find things in my bag was so frustrating! I’d put something away in the right bag only to discover I need it again 10 seconds later. Or, going for a shower, I need shampoo, soap etc, don’t forget the towel. And then come running back into my room because I forgot my mask. Aggg!

At my first albergue, I met Bob (from the US ex military), he must have taken pity on me. He said, as soon as you get in, go straight for your shower, wash any dirty clothes in the shower, hang the clothes to dry. This way they have the best chance of being ready to wear the next morning. I found this to be good advice and follow it every day.

I’ve also got my bag sorted now. I have different bags (size and colours) to hold different things within my rucksack. The large red bag has my clothes, large yellow has my washing thing and medications, small orange bag has electrical stuff and the glue I bought. To pack the bag, my albergue sandals go in first, then the yellow bag followed by the red bag. The orange bag on top, with the sleeping bag and poncho (easily accessible).

This morning, I was first up. So, in a dark room, being as quiet as possible, I got dressed and packed my bag. I just used the phone screen to check I’d left nothing behind.

Things are a lot easier now that I have a routine and I know where everything fits in my bag.

Another beautiful sun rise again this morning.

I arrived at Sahagun (a large town near to Leon) at about 9am. I have noticed that things don’t really get going until about 10 or 11am. The streets were still quite deserted, except for a few people shopping or the workmen pruning the trees in the city square.

This allowed me to look around in peace. I found the remains of the original gateway into the city. It was huge and most impressive. Before I left, with the help of another pilgrim who I’d met a few days before, I found the supermarket to stock up on provisions as I’d be away from shops for a couple of days.

Coming up, was an alternative Camino route. It was a few kilometres longer than the normal route but it was away from the roadside walking, and much more remote. This was perfect for me as I love remote walking at home.

I walked about 10k on the new route, on wide dirt tracks without seeing anyone or any cars – bliss.

The albergue is a bit more upmarket today. I have a proper bed with sheets and blankets! And ... a towel! Wow, I am living in luxury tonight 🙂

Oh, and if you are following my route, I have passed the half way mark today. I have now walked 421km, leaving just 390km to do. I can’t believe it; it seems to have happened so quickly, but then the start in St Jean seems like a lifetime ago.

An update on my boots... The original repair on my left boot is still holding up. Alas, the sole of the right boot has also come apart. I glued it yesterday afternoon but I think I will have to put a bit more glue on today to make sure it holds.

 

Comments

  1. Unknown28 September 2021 at 17:15

    Sounds like you have a simple and practical routine in place now. The sunrise pictures are so beautiful, it must be magical to walk out so early into the peace and quiet of the morning. Is there a dawn chorus or is it the wrong time of year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MartinV28 September 2021 at 18:38

      It is lovely to see the dawn break day after day (weather permitting), it feels like a treat to see it.
      There is some lovely birdsong, which I can't identify, but not really a dawn chorus.

      Delete
  2. Gemma29 September 2021 at 11:51

    Just caught up with your posts Martin, it sounds wonderful. Congratulations on passing the half-way mark. We were all in the office yesterday, and we missed you! Call any time you fancy a chat. Gemmax
    p.s. please post more food pics

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gemma29 September 2021 at 11:52

    sorry if you get this comment twice. wrote it then lost it!

    ReplyDelete

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