Zamora to Montamarta

Zamora to Montamarta

Distance 19kms (4 hours)

Yesterday evening, I ended up walking another 7 kilometers to the 31kms that I walked to get to Zamora.
What a beautiful place. I will definitely return. The Cathedral is 12th century with Roman and Gothic features. As a peregrino, I got a reduced entry fee. As an ex-Catholic, I found some of the statues and side chapels too ornate and strange.
I wandered through the city and using my limited Spanish, I managed to locate and purchase sone new insoles for my shoes. My feet certainly need a break from the rough gravel trails.
The Albergue was fantastic and the hospilardos were from Denver, USA. They were kind and provided us with a wonderful breakfast. I had a lie in until 06.30am and set off on the Camino with rodersky. The first order of the day was a cafe con leche and find our way north out of the city.
It was very cool this morning. I wore three layers.
Rodersky and I set a great pace together. Although, he speaks no English, we get along with my limited Spanish. We enjoy each other's company on the Camino.
The terrain is vast open countryside with not many features. The trail is tough stone-gravel that is brutal on the soles of your feet. You find yourself naturally walking on the wheel tracks. There is no shade or shelter from the north headwind. You find a lot of time for inner reflection.
Today, my insoles really worked for me. Instead of hobbling the last few kilometers, I arrived at the Albergue feeling quite relaxed. The Albergue is an old school set on the edge of the village. For the first time in two weeks, I have been able to machine wash all of my clothes.
We immediately completed our daily admin and went into the pueblo for lunch. Unfortunately, the only restaurant in this pueblo is closed. Rodershas prepared a Spanish pasta with tomatoes and ham with rustic bread. A few cervezas later, I am full and intend to relax.
And that was my 14th day on the Via de la PlataBaca lagi