Day 27 - Pedrosillo - 18.5 km

An uneventful journey…..
After the highs and lows of the previous two days, today was mostly a steady walk over the high plain - similar to the low plains but cooler, greener and a bit more windy.
Miles of flat country, then some cork oak forests and finally some meadows with fat cows and black pigs.
Last night I had some ‘rain anxiety’ thoughts - the best one being that in the next four weeks there will only be a freezing cold downpour - and maybe I can just get to Salamanca and go home. 😂😂😂
This morning of course the rain in my brain had diminished and the actual day turned out fabulous with literally just a few drops falling.
I turned off the main Camino and followed a secondary route through farms and fields - lots of gates to open and close - and then a hearty 3 km trudge up to this little hill top town.
I went to the yellow house to get the key for the albergue and so far it is just me - so I chose the only bed rather than a bunk. This Albergue is small and sweet with plenty of hot water and food for breakfast - all by donation!
I walked past two bars which were closed but there is a third one next to the albergue. It has a reputation for being expensive but my Tinto de Verano only cost €1.50 which is the usual rate. I have been told that prices do get higher as you head north but Menu del Dia is €12 here - which is similar to recent prices.
Right now I am sitting under a grape arbour - with grapes - in the sunny cool breeze with my drink. How blessed can I be.
With yesterdays good advice about rain gear (I have a rain jacket and my umbrella but was worried that won’t be enough) and the lovely walking weather today I feel ready for the second half of the Via de la Plata.
Buen Camino.
PS: The meal was great - a huge bowl of hearty lentil and barley soup, pork schnitzel with a salad of excellent tomatoes and greens followed by a Magnum ice cream and of course as much wine as I could drink.
This ‘whole bottle’ thing is the tradition of the north. I think the free tapas of the south is a much healthier tradition for me. Although with siesta I can have a drink in the early afternoon, have a sleep and am fresh for the evening and the next day.
I do feel for the vegetarians amongst us. Spain and Portugal love their meat.
Blessing of the day.
After my now customary nap I walked around the town looking for a shop. Then I came across a Mum with two small children. When I asked about a shop she knocked on the door right next to us; another lady came out; we all went around the corner; lo and behold, behind another unassuming door was the second lady’s small shop. What were the chances?
A reminder of how I am constantly protected and taken care of - which is also the theme of a short beautiful hymn I listened to this morning.
Buen CaminoLeia mais