Santo Domingo to Belorado

Today was a very tiring day especially for our male walking companions. Maybe it was to do with the excitement of finally finding a bar last night in Santo Domingo that would play the SA v Ireland game! After a very tasty meal at the hotel we were staying at and meeting a SA born kiwi named Anne, we all except sensible Jane headed off to watch the rugby. I think the boys felt it necessary to buy rounds of drinks so the rugby stayed on! So after an exciting game we headed home and were up at 7am to start the 22.4 km walk. Surprisingly Lee and Brian were in cheerful spirits and Lee even sang Ireland's national anthem as we headed out. Maybe the Irish Baileys was still cursing through his veins!
Today's walk in the cool morning air was quite stunning with "fields of gold" coming to mind. The rows of sun flowers stood in rows with their sad faces waiting to be harvested. The ? wheat fields have been ploughed and the paths were dry and dusty. Hot air balloons were floating nearby so it was all quite idyllic. BUT..we had thought we would have breakfast after 7 km which was very much needed but today is Sunday and hardly anything is open. On we walked through small sleepy villages with the occasional cat or dog to greet us. When I say small , imagine Mangaweka with a Spanish facade. We did share a banana some nuts and jubes for brekky. A feast for Kings!
We walked through the border from Naverra into Castille so no more grapes to feast on.
The 2nd half of the walk was much plainer and a bit of walking beside the highway with no shade and it was hot! Finally 5 km before we reached Belorado we found a cafe so it was the freshly squeezed orange juice and empanadas. It tasted so good.
The next 5 km continued to be hot and dry but you have to imagine those ancient pilgrims in their sack tunics rope sandals and bearing crosses on their backs. No hot showers and wifi for them back in the day!
Once again we met and talked with different people on the way so the kilometers just tick over.
Belorado is a pretty wee town and famous for ancient cave dwellings up behind the town. I think it will be an early night.Read more