Puente Duero

Camino de Madrid

Day 8 Alcazaren to Puente De Duero 25kms

There was no where to eat in the town last night and only a microwave in the Albergue kitchen. Dinner consisted of chicken soup in glass coffee cups, bread, cheese, chorizo, a doughnut and yoghurt.
Cheng and I set off at 7.30am across the open countryside. The terrain remains pine forests and open fields. We had a couple of busy roads to walk along.
At 11kms out, we stopped for a break next to a lovely river crossing. We had only set off on the bridge when we realised that the debris had build up and formed a dam causing the river to run over the bridge. Shoes and socks off, we waded the remaining part of the river.
We arrived in Valdestillas, the only village on the trail today. It is famous for a miracle that happened in the 17th century when the statue of Baby Jesus slipped from his Mother’s arms. Happily Our Lady had quick reflex’s and caught her son before he fell to the floor of the church. There were witnesses, four soldiers who had just returned home. I suspect that too much drink was also involved.
After a short break, we had a boring 9kms trudge along a busy road in the heat.
We finally arrived at 1pm, had a beer and found our Albergue in Puente de Duero. There is really nothing interesting about the place.
The Albergue is a wooden cabin and the hospilardo is an eccentric German guy who I think is under the influence of intoxicants or drugs.
Today seemed to be a ‘filler’ day where you just have to put the distance in.Read more