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The Beauty of Moving Slowly

April - May 2025
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This is my fourth Camino and the third time that I have attempted the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port in south-west France to Santiago de Compostela in the north-west of Spain. Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy El Camino 2025. Read more
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  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    Day 25–26

    León to Villavante

    1 hour ago in Spain ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    Another great day on the Camino.

    I set out from the centre of León at 7:30am and wandered through the small groups of young people who were still on their way home from last night’s celebrations, parties, clubs, etc. As I saw more of them, I started to feel better knowing that in a couple of hours I was going to feel a lot fitter than they would.

    I followed one of the main avenues toward the Parador hotel by the Bernesga river. Paradors are state owned luxury hotels and are refurbished and renovated convents, monasteries, castles or hospices from days gone by. The León Parador is a beautiful piece of architecture and beautifully situated. After a short stop for a photo with a statue of a tired peregrino in the Plaza San Marco, it was into the suburban streets that extend for almost eight kms to La Virgen del Camino.

    After a short stop here, I was into the countryside again – and loving it. The cities hold a certain charm, but I have to say I enjoy the quiet and the solitude that the beauty of moving slowly brings through the rural areas. The weather was on the chilly side all morning and a wind into my face made for a bracing morning in parts. Another coffee stop was on the cards in Oncina before a final leg into Villar de Mazarife.

    With another 10 kms of flat, straight road ahead, a group of us opted for a taxi to Villavante, our stop for the night and another of my favourite stops on the Camino. We reasoned that we would rather spend two hours at Molino Galochas, instead of two hours on the road getting there.

    Molino Galochas is an old mill and is more than 250 years old. The stream that was routed by the Moors during the middle ages runs under the mill house and was originally used to drive the mill and grind flour from the wheat crops in the area. Mercedes and her husband Maximo are the owners and gave us such a warm welcome with a beer, coke or coffee. We made the right decision regarding the taxi!

    Catherine, Lorraine and Vanessa from Point Lonsdale and Sydney have joined Peter and myself for the final couple of weeks into Santiago de Compostela. This was the start of their Camino and they did a great job dealing with the first day organisational issues that come with a long walk through the Spanish countryside.

    Tonight we have had a communal dinner that was prepared by Mercedes and Maximo and tomorrow we head for Astorga which has a long and vibrant history that includes Celtic, Roman, Visigoth, Arab/Moorish settlers and rulers. It is also a renowned chocolate centre! Then it is on to the Montes de León during the next week or so where we climb to the highest point on the Camino. New friends today: Diana from the Netherlands; Billy from Kentucky; Greg from Oklahoma; and Lewis and Lousie from San Diego.

    Buen Camino peregrinas and peregrinos.

    Today’s short clip includes from León to Mazarife, just short of our stop at Villavante.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMWhd2EjzgM&amp…

    Distance walked today: 22 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 490 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    1
    Day 23–25

    Mansilla de las Mulas to León

    May 9 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    After a late, but substantial, breakfast I was on the road by 0800 but it was a short 18kms to León and so I was in no hurry.

    On the way out of town I passed the scene of yesterday’s fire. Smoke was still rising from the ashes and the sign, which was about all that survived, indicated that it was a mortuary/funeral home. Nothing but ashes – go figure! As I left town, Johan and Belgium Frank joined the parade and so I walked with them for quite a way. They are not resting in León and will finish their Camino about a week ahead of the rest of us.

    As I left Mansilla, there were a few spots of rain but that cleared fairly quickly and I was left with overcast skies and a slight breeze – ideal for walking. I noticed many fewer walkers today which also made the trip pleasant. Many pilgrims catch a bus from Mansilla to León to avoid the walk into the city, but I don’t find it too bad. It’s not that inspiring and for much of the day the path was situated between a major highway and another busy road. But if I focussed on the farming and irrigation changes, I really didn’t notice the traffic all that much. I’m seeing more recently ploughed fields around here compared with the mature crops that I was seeing about a week ago.

    From Arcahueja and Valdelafuente, more and more businesses and distributorships started to appear and I was cognisant of entering the noise and busy-ness of a big city as I left the quietude of the countryside behind. León slowly revealed itself, and the Cathedral dominated the skyline from a long way out of town. Off in the distance, I could see the western end of the Cantabrian mountain range. I’m glad I don’t have to tackle those climbs, but the hills of Galicia await. Pretty soon, I had passed through the old city walls of León and into the narrow streets that arc like ribs off the main passageway that runs through town and up the hill along Calle Ancha to the magnificent León cathedral.

    I found my accommodation and settled in as I waited for Catherine and Lorraine to arrive from Madrid. Vanessa had missed her train because of a poor connection from Hong Kong but she will arrive later tonight. After a nice night of tapas and G&T, we are all ready for a rest day in León tomorrow.

    Guiroy’s clip takes us from Mansilla to León.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVFEVJViq4w&amp…

    Buen Camino Pingüinos

    Distance today: 19 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 469 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    1
    Day 22–23

    Bercianos to Mansilla de las Mulas

    May 8 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Hi Everyone,

    Well, today was another of those days where you just had to grind it out to get to where you needed to be. The scenery was interesting in parts but there was another long stretch of over 13kms without any support between El Burgo Ranero and Reliegos.

    I set off in chilly temperatures again, but the wind wasn’t a factor and after El Burgo Ranero I was able to take off my jacket and enjoy the day as it warmed up. There didn’t seem to be as many people about today as I followed alongside a quiet country road. In parts it was very quiet and meditative and I enjoyed the time in my head. It registered with me at one point that all I could hear were crickets and birds.

    For a lot of the day I walked along the road but a few close calls with some scary Spanish drivers sent me back on to the path. I saw a few familiar faces and met Reneé from the Philippines. He was moving slowly with a knee condition, but he was keeping his fingers crossed for the possibility of a new Pope from his homeland.

    I noticed two herds of cows for the first time since Navarre, early in the Camino, and the Cantabrian mountains to my right also came into view. On the other side of those mountains is the Camino del Norte and the Bay of Biscay. Many of the fields that were covered in wheat for the last week or so are now being ploughed for a later crop. I am in a serious agricultural area and some of the machinery that passed me on the road was huge. I’d forgotten that while the old town in Mansilla is quite contained, the surrounding area is home to many factories that all appeared to be geared toward machinery and irrigation.

    As I reached Mansilla de las Mulas, the local fire brigade was busy tending to a big fire in one of the narrow streets of the old town. Fortunately, I was able to reach my accomm and my bag was waiting for me. After a shower and a drink, I headed out to see some of the town but the fire was still keeping everyone busy and the streets I needed to access were blocked off. Never mind, I’ll see them on the way out of town tomorrow, I hope.

    It's a short leg to León tomorrow so I should be there early enough to see some of the sights and prepare for a rest day on Saturday. Peter and I will also be joined by the rest of the band from Point Lonsdale and Sydney – Catherine, Lorraine and Vanessa.

    Guiroy’s video clip for today is very indicative of the sights that I was seeing along The Way, having been filmed at a similar time of the year.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icodqlb-U7Y&amp…

    Distance today: 27 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 450 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    11
    Day 21–22

    Terradillos to Bercianos del Real Camino

    May 7 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Hola Pingüinos, day 18 of a planned 33 day walk - almost made it.

    Well, it is my sad duty today to let you know of a retirement from the Camino.

    Over the last few days, I have felt every stone, rock and stick along The Way and my feet and legs have been feeling it.

    And so, it is reluctantly, and with deep regret, that I have to let you know that I am retiring my Merrells that have endured more than 2,000 Camino Klms, and I am consigning them to my suitcase. In the words of the great Eric Bibb, these will now be my “go to meeting shoes.” Today I went for my re-treads, as per my new Merrells, and my legs and feet were loving it. So, my wheels are good (no blisters, so far), and my kicks are extra good, so I’m feeling fine as I work my way towards León.

    My day started with a 7:20am departure from Terradillos after a simple breakfast of toast, jam, fresh squeezed orange juice and a delicious coffee. It was freezing and there must have been quite a difference between the ‘feels like’ and ‘actual’ temperatures. The easterly meant that I had my hoody up early and was braced for the cold.

    In an effort to generate some warmth, I had the jets on and I reached Moratinos in very quick time. Then, it was on to San Nicholas where I saw the first sign of the ‘hobbit’ houses that are used as wine cellars these days. As I moved through the morning, I reached Sahagún which is a major cultural, historic and religious stop on the Camino. On the way into town, I passed the beautiful church of the Virgen del Puente which was once used as a pilgrim hospice, and I then crossed the geographic half-way point of the Camino in Spain. On the way into town, I passed a really nice mural but only found out later that it represented some of the characters in the movie The Way. I also passed the Torro del Plaza which is the town’s bullring. I took a snap but was conflicted.

    I had a very nice ‘re-fuel’ of café con leché and a madeleine biscuit as I sat in the sun and watched other pilgrims pass by. This was my half-way point for the day. From then on it was an enjoyable walk through the second half of the day to Bercianos del Real Camino. After checking in and having a great shower, Eduardo the barman and I are becoming very good friends as he prepares me some tapas and a “say when Senór” G&T.

    All in all, a very good day on the Camino. The scenery, gradient, path and direction were varied when compared with yesterday, and my re-treads have worked out well. Even though it was chilly and my jacket remained on throughout the day, towards the end the wind was at my back and progress was good. Bercianios is a very small village and I can see most of it through the window of the bar where I’m sitting.

    Observations: A lot of the houses in Bercianos are made of stones, mud and straw. There is a strong scent of manure in the air - I'm in the country. There are also a lot of murals on some of the houses. Last night a group of us were laughing about our conversation. Instead of world peace, the cost of tariffs and the wars in Ukraine and India/Pakistan, our main concerns involved the best sock combination and the best blister prevention and treatment solutions. Keeping it real on the Camino folks.

    Buen Camino, and thanks for following along.

    Today’s clip takes us from just before my overnight stop in Terradillos to Bercianos where I have accomm tonight.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0hDHhqIEYg&amp…

    Distance today: 24 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 423 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    Day 20–21

    Carrion to Terradillos de Templarios

    May 6 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Hi Everyone,

    It’s been a strange kind of day but not unenjoyable. I started off from Carrión around 7:15am and it was a chilly 3 degrees. It didn’t get much warmer for most of the morning, but it was under sunny, clear skies and no wind. In fact, it was almost perfect weather for walking. I layered up before leaving so I was able to cope with the temperature change during the day.

    The first town is not so much a village as a couple of houses, and from then on it is one of the longest stretches on the Camino through to Calzadilla de la Cueza. The path underfoot was very good but it is layered over a 2,000 year old Roman road, the Via Aquitana. I think the original surface would have been a little more difficult to contend with. It was a 12km stretch that was pretty straight and very flat and it struck me that this stage would be really difficult in the heat or a big wind. It was one of those days where you just have to grind it out to get to where you’re going. Some days are like that.

    I took a break in Calzadilla and had a chat with Grant, a New Zealander, who is heading for retirement next year and is using the Camino to do a bit of planning. To quote Grant, he’s also doing it before his “knees, teeth, and hearing give out completelty.” Even so, he was faster over the ground than me so he can’t be doing too badly. I’ve discovered that I fall into the ‘ambler’ category. I don’t go very fast but I just keep going and by the time others take breaks or rest stops I’m not far behind them at the end of each day.

    During the day, I kept passing or was surrounded by a group of deaf walkers who were signing each other as they ‘chatted’ along the way – I couldn’t shut them up! I later discovered they make up a group from Ireland and their joy was infectious as they went along. Of course, I could tell they were Irish from the accent in their signing??!!!??! When I got to my accomm, they also rolled in and celebrated each of their group as they arrived. This is their last day this year, but next year they’ll be back to start another week or so from here. I also took the time to chat with three girls from Seattle who I’ve been bumping into during the last week and who have christened themselves the “west coast girls.” Tracey, Shelley and Pam are great fun and they are taking a break from their other halves to tick off a bucket list item. When I left them they were making a mess of a bottle of vino tinto and having a laugh – can’t want much more than that at the end of a hard day on the Camino.

    Terradillos de los Templarios (pop. 80) is only a shadow of its former self but has connections back to the Knights Templar in its earlier history. Tomorrow, I’m off to Bercianos del Real Camino as I inch toward a rest day at León.

    Today’s video from Guiroy is not long due to the repetitive nature of the landscape that I passed through.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3qsH1DVDk4&amp…

    Distance today: 25 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 399 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    1
    Day 19–20

    Fromista to Carrion de los Condes

    May 5 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Hola Pingüinos.

    I had a beautiful breakfast at Dóna Mayor, my accomm in Frómista, before heading off under overcast skies, but no wind and a crisp morning with bits of fog floating around like cotton wool that someone forgot to pick up. The first few klms to Población were alongside a main road but it was early and there wasn’t much traffic to disturb the morning vibe.

    At Población, the path diverges. To the left, you can continue to follow the main road, and to the right you follow the small rio Ucieza away from the road. I chose the latter. As I went along I could see over to my left, about a klm away, that many peregrinos had chosen the road. That suited me fine, and for most of the day I was totally alone and in my head. My playlist for the day was the sound of birds in the bushes around the river and the water tumbling through choke points and then passing quietly and languidly through the wider sections. It was a beautiful morning.

    At Villacázar the paths join up and I decided to take a quick break. While there, I saw a Japanese couple that I saw yesterday along the canal. The father is carrying his baby girl on his back while the Mum is shepherding the young boy along as he jumps in puddles and has the time of his life. It is an uninspiring final six klms to Carrión de los Condes and I put the jets on to beat the rain that was threatening on the horizon.

    I was eager to get to my accomm for the night, the Real Monasterio San Zoilo. It is a beautifully restored old monastery and is one of the best stops on the Camino. I happened to arrive early, and they weren’t taking guests for another three hours but the lady behind the desk appreciated my poor attempts at Spanish and admitted me. Now I am in the bar, writing my blog and being looked after by José the barman. He’s a good bloke and, fortunately, his poor English is better than my poor Spanish. He also put the measuring cup away when he poured me a G&T so I’m feeling good as I listen to some fabulous music on the sound system. I’ve also heard about Bill from Brisbane who was finding accommodation difficult to find. He’s ahead at Sahagún for a rest so I should catch up with him in the next couple of days.

    Tomorrow is a long day with not many stops so I’ll need to be well hydrated on my way to Terradillos de Templarios. Below is the link to Guiroy’s video of today’s walk.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44J6TDSKu6A&amp…

    Buen Camino

    Distance today: 22 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 374 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    Day 18–19

    Castrojeriz to Fromista

    May 4 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    A beautiful start to the morning; no wind, perfect temp, overcast skies, and an easy walk out of town after a great breakfast.

    After crossing the ancient Roman road, I hit the climb up to Alto de Mostelares. I reflected that it would have been more daunting on Day One but now it presents no issues for me. Must be getting fitter! As I climbed, three Spanish guys who had been hitting the cigarettes at the bottom of the climb were taking regular rest breaks. Made me feel good.

    At the top of the climb, I could look back across the Pisuerga valley, a stunning sight of wheat fields and so many wind turbines that I couldn’t count them all, stretched across the mesa that seemed to surround the valley. After a quick transit of the mesa, I saw the path laid out before me and started on the way down.

    I met Carlos, a Spaniard who has been walking from Pau in France and has, so far, walked on five different Caminos to get to this point. He has been walking parts of the Camino Francés for twenty years and this year is his big effort of more than 1,000kms. Nice guy. Along the Way, I also met Mark from Brisbane who is here to sort out a relationship that didn’t end as he wanted it to, Lisa from Belgium, and Josie from the Netherlands who is on her first Camino and is having the time of her life.

    Just before Itero de la Vega, I came to a food truck where I bade goodbye to Mark. The owner of the van, happened to be standing on the path and he offered me an orange and a “Buen Camino” to help me on my way. Very generous of him considering that his offering is his trade. I came down the hill to the Ermita de San Nicolás which is a well-known stop on the Camino. This is a donativo Albergue and beds are limited but it has no electricity or mod cons. There is a ritual washing of the feet and candlelight is the illumination of choice. I heard Josie from the Netherlands tell the hostelier that she would stay there on her next Camino. Sounds as though she’s hooked.

    I was going to take a break and have my orange at Boadilla but the skies looked threatening and so I decided to keep going and try to get to Fromista ahead of the rain. The walk along the Canal Castilla is very easy and a nice change from the hectares of wheatfields that I crossed in the morning. Before long, I reached Fromista and quickly found my accomm which is really comfortable – best shower on the Camino, so far. Remember, it’s the little things. When I entered the town, there was a festival happening and a parade along the main road. I took a video that reflects my poor skills but I’ll try to get better. Apparently it is the end of a week-long celebration in honour of Saint Martin (I think).

    Today’s clip from Guiroy starts before my overnight at Catroheriz and finishes about six kilometres before Fromista. I hope you are getting a good feel for the countryside that I am seeing.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JK-7S38w1Y&amp…

    Distance today: 26 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 352 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    1
    Day 17–18

    Castrojeriz

    May 3 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    What a perfect day for a walk. I set off from Hornillos with the sun just coming up, a nip in the air, no wind and an overcast sky. As it turned out, I had a day of appreciating the nature and environment around me, as well as a experiencing a profound admiration for the spirit of some of the pilgrims along the way.

    Early in the day, the path was quite easy to walk on but there was some evidence of the rain from yesterday. In some places I had to skirt the main path and take a diversion to avoid the water and mud that completely blocked an easy way forward. Coming into San Bol, which is just an albergue in the middle of nowhere, and then on to Hontanas, I was again surrounded by cereal crops for as far as I could see in all directions.

    Then, I experienced a first for me – I found the end of a rainbow. I haven’t seen a good rainbow for years and, as I went along, it appeared over to my right. As I continued, I saw more and more of it appear until I could see it from right to left across the sky. Then, as I came around a bend in the path, I could see the left end of the rainbow as it landed in a paddock next to me. Unfortunately, no pot of gold, but priceless.

    For much of the day, my head was full of ear food. All I could hear as I went along were the sounds of the wind, my footfall, and the twittering of small birds that were hiding in the crops and small bushes that appeared occasionally. I was completely present and was thinking of how fortunate I am to be out here, in this place. I also saw a couple of pilgrims that inspired me. I’m not the fastest dog in the race, but I passed a couple of pilgrims who were measuring their progress with each step, rather than town by town as most of us do. Even though their progress is slow by comparison, their determination, persistence and spirit are inspiring and I’m sure I will see then again along The Way.

    Hontanas is a nice little pilgrim village that is nestled in a crease between the hills. I stopped for a quick break and then left, hoping for a quick passage for the second half of my walk. Unfortunately, the mud and water that lay on the path slowed my progress but it’s all part of the experience in heading toward Santiago. Further on, I came to the convent of San Anton. These days, the road passes through the middle of the ruins and, once I had passed through, I could see Castrojeriz in the distance. I was hoping to beat the rain that was coming so I put the jets on but the rain caught me with a couple of kilometres to go. It wasn’t too bad, and the walk into town was under the sun that made a late appearance.

    Tonight, I am in one of my favourite stops on the Camino. It is a very comfortable Inn with a relaxing common area and a beautiful old library. Castrojeriz is a very old town and was overseen by a castle on the hill that you can see in the photos. Under the town is a network of tunnels that they used for defensive purposes, and basements that housed their animals. I’m sitting here blogging away and relaxed after a good day on the Camino but tomorrow starts with a steep climb up to the mesa above the town and then on to Fromista.

    No video clip today because they are a little out of sync with my progress but we will pick them up again tomorrow. In the meantime……

    Buen Camino everyone.

    Distance today: 20 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 327 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    Day 16–17

    Burgos to Hornillos del Camino

    May 2 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    After an early breakfast, I was out the door by 7:15am and on the road. The scenery as I left Burgos was much more beautiful than that which I saw on the way in two days ago. I walked alongside the Arlanzón river before leaving the city through the University of Burgos campus. Within 45 minutes I was in the country and making good time.

    Ahead, I could see that rain was in my future but I was hoping that it might blow around the hills ahead. However, before long, it started. I’m trying to see rain and sunshine as “it is what it is” weather events for which I simply dress differently. Today, I was able to do that and, even though the rain was persistent, I still enjoyed the walk. Most people wore ponchos but I carry a small umbrella which I find perfect for rain or the sun. The ponchos were being blown about by the wind and I’m not sure how effective the cheaper ones are.

    The walk itself was pretty easy today, with cereal crops spreading out in every direction. The only challenge I really had was picking a path around and between the puddles and the streams that were developing on the uphill slopes. Because everyone had their heads down today, I didn’t talk to anyone and just enjoyed being out here. About 2kms from Hornillos, the sun came out and it was a nice walk into town. I found my accomm which is querky, but really clean and comfortable.

    While I was checking in, three pilgrims tried to find a bed but were turned away. This afternoon, I went for a walk around the town and people were still arriving but were having to continue on to Hontanas, and beyond. Leah from Germany was one of those. She seemed fairly optimistic when I spoke to her but I don’t like her chances because the next two villages aren’t very big and accomm will be at a premium. One guy I spoke to during my walk-around, had walked from Obaneja on the other side of Burgos and he was having to take a taxi forward to find something.

    I’m loving being here on the meseta, and tomorrow I’m off to Castrojeriz which is a pretty easy walk. (Why did I just say “easy”?) We’ll see, I guess.

    As promised, I have a new video series for you. It’s from Guiroy and I think they show a different side to the country that I’m walking through. If you turn the subtitles on you can get a feel for some of the places. It’s an English translation from Spanish, but you should get the drift. This clip runs from Burgos to Hontanas which is just over 10kms from where I am tonight.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhlCzAJwBA4&amp…

    Buen Camino

    Distance today: 21 kms
    Total distance travelled so far: 306 kms    Read more

  • TravelerThe Beauty of Moving Slowly
    1
    Day 15

    Burgos

    May 1 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Hi Everyone,

    Today was my rest day in Burgos which is a beautiful city to take it easy, walk around, do some people watching, and relax.

    As I mentioned yesterday, it’s May Day here and a public holiday. In the morning I took care of a few housekeeping items that I needed to tick off and then I hit the streets. On my way to the river, I passed the beginnings of a loud and proud crowd of workers, unionists, and an accompanying band of drummers. Everyone was getting in the mood and I got caught up in the celebrations. I asked someone if they could speak English so that I could find out about the marchers. He couldn’t help me but he called his friend Arnie over. Expecting to have a conversation in Spanglish, I was surprised when he spoke to me with a perfect British accent. Turns out Arnie is Spanish and he lives here, but his Mum is British.

    Before long, they were away and I watched them disappear up the main street before I headed back to the river and around to the cathedral through the magnificent 14th century Arco de Santa Maria. The 13th century Catedral de Santa Maria is a world heritage site and it is obvious to see why. It is one of the most impressive and beautiful structures that I have ever seen and I marvelled at the intricated carvings and works around and inside the church. The plaza in front of the cathedral was starting to get busy and the side streets of the square were populated by the locals who were out to enjoy the day.

    As I passed through one of the busy ‘tapas’ streets, I met the band and the marchers coming from the opposite direction. They headed to the main plaza where they held a rally and then everyone headed off to do whatever they had planned.

    As I said, Burgos is a beautiful city to walk around but I’m looking forward to getting out of town and back into the country. Tomorrow will be my first day on the meseta, or plains, section of the Camino. Many people skip this section and catch a train to León but I find it a very contemplative space to spend a week. The first section of the Camino to this point is often described as the physical stage where you get used to walking 25kms each day. This next stage is known by some as the mental stage where you spend a lot of time in your head. I’m looking forward to it.

    Now, I have an Efron announcement for y’all. I have discovered that, like any great entrepreneur, Efron has now cut off public access to his videos of the Camino. You can subscribe to his channel if you like but I do have a replacement for your entertainment over your morning coffee and I’ll provide a link to the first one from Hornillos tomorrow. In the meantime, here is one last blast from Efren. It includes a retrospective of what you are familiar with to this point, as well as a hint of what is to come.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_kJIneRJAI&amp…

    Thanks for joining me so far and Buen Camino everyone.    Read more

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