Alba de Yeltes to Ciudad Rodrigo (26 km)

The first thing I saw in my inbox this morning were some pictures of my grandkids! Smiling familiar faces. What a nice thing to wake up to. And then I thought of the 6-year old Ukrainian boy living in the albergue in San Muñoz, the same age as one of my grandkids. Lots of thoughts went through my mind, none very original or profound — but I am so glad all my family is happy, safe, and healthy. And wishing all kids were the same.

The second bunch of thoughts going through my brain were much more pragmatic — today’s stage was where my friend Maggie had her close-up encounter with a bull. And I realized that although I had spent a lot of time yesterday formulating my bull strategy, those plans were worthless today, because today’s walk was not through the wide Cañada. Today I was walking on a path about the width of a driveway with fencing on both sides. So I moved on to Plan B —a fervent hope that the bull wasn’t still hanging around outside his pasture. I did come upon a herd close to the fence, all of which stopped what they were doing to line up snd stare at me. But thankfully, everyone stayed behind the fence. I hope you realize that this is written mainly in jest, and I know very well that no bull would be hanging around in the same place for three years waiting for a passer-by.

Ciudad Rodrigo is an old Castilian walled city. No albergue, but I’m in a nice hotel in an historic building near the Cathedral. The parador, in the castle, is closed for renovations. I have already walked around the walls, which have a special meaning for our family involving some adolescent temper tantrums. I’ve also visited the cathedral, and I’m going to try to get a good nights sleep so I can get going early tomorrow.

Rain is coming. Lots of it.Læs mere