Day 25: Sahagun to El Burgo Ranero

I got a very late start today because I wanted to go to a convent that provides a certificate for the halfway point on the Camino Francés. They were supposed to open at 9:30, but we’re on Spanish time so it was more like 9:50. 🤣 It’s a cool certificate so I’m glad I got it, but it meant I wasn’t on the trail until around 10 AM. The day started off quite cold, in the low 40s, but it warmed up quickly. It ended up being a hot day without a lot of shade, and the entire 18 km was beside a road (though not a busy one). Needless to say, I was dragging by early afternoon. I’ve also developed a blister on my right heel, so I had to stop a couple of times to tend to it, and I walked pretty slowly. It was just one of those days that wasn’t a lot of fun, so I was extra happy to get to my hotel. The only place I could find to stay is a truck stop with a hotel attached, so there’s definitely no Camino spirit here. However, the room is clean and comfortable, and every night can’t be in a charming guest house or monastery. 😆
I spent the afternoon working on Camino planning after León, which is coming soon. I’ll be in León in two days, and I’m definitely looking forward to some rest time.

A lot of people skip the Meseta because they think it’s long, hot, monotonous, boring, and lacking the infrastructure that the other sections have. I would say that it can be those things (and I’ve got no judgment whatsoever for skipping ahead), but I’m glad I’ve walked it. It’s a big part of this Camino for me, and it certainly has parallels to life, so there are important lessons to be learned. Some people talk about the Camino in terms of body, mind, and soul. They say that the first third is physically challenging, the second third is mentally challenging, and the last third is the joy of the Camino. I don’t know if that’s my experience exactly, but there’s definitely some truth to it.Read more