Day 19 - Feelin’ hot, hot, hot

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau

Day 19 - Carrión de Los Condes to Ledigos - 23.4 km - approx 6.5 hrs

So excited to be walking with Nancy and family again today. We all have pretty much the same pace - except Louie who often runs ahead. Yes, runs. Guess that’s a bit easier when you are 16, rather than 57!

From Carrión de Los Condes, it was a 17.3 km trek to Calzadilla de la Cueza and then a further 6.1 km to our destination in Ledigos. As the day was going to get hot we left in the dark at 7am to get a jump on the day.

After we were out of the town, I was able to put my new headlamp to good use, for another hour or so. The trail was easy walking and the company made the kms go quickly. We stopped for 10 mins at a little lay-by that was created for pilgrims, and sat first with Carolyn who was in front of us, and then Jenny, who had been behind us. As we were ready to leave, along comes Linda! It was good to see her as I have not seen her for over a week. As we started off again, we came to a food truck about 5 minutes further on, at the 7km mark. It was now light but still chilly and we stopped for breakfast and a hot drink. Linda joined us for a while, but started off before us, on the way to Calzadilla de la Cueza. We passed her shortly after leaving and I haven’t seen her since. I’ve actually been a bit worried about her and hope she’s doing ok.

Still another 10km to go, on the never-ending road. Seriously, the view did not change one iota until just before Calzadilla de Los Cueza, when there was a slight rise, then the town was laid out before us. Carolyn, Jenny and Linda were all staying in town but we were still continuing to Ledigos. We stopped for at least an hour at the local bar in Calzadilla, for cold drinks. Much needed as the heat was getting really intense in the last 3km and we were all parched. While there, I ran Into Bill and Rip from day 2. I had also seen them in town last night as they were scoping out food options.

It was a true struggle to get moving again as it was now around 1:30 pm and the heat was still intense. The thought of another 6+ km was not appealing in the least. But, we got our packs on and hit the road. Zig zagging through town as we followed the arrows. Pretty sure they just wanted to take up past every bar in town… as they do.

The trail to Ledigos was not as nice as the previous 17+km. Lots of stones and potential ankle twist opportunities, but we managed it. Nancy started having some issues and had a couple of stops to add some wool cushioning. I was getting a bit of heel burn but it was easy enough to walk through. Ankle was doing ok, so we pushed ahead. My walking companions were great company today. If not for them, I likely would have taxied those last 7 km lol! As it was, we made it to town just after 3pm and I am a little in love with the Albergue!! Great location, covered patio and awesome private beds in the dorm. Real sheets, chocolate on the bed and a bottle of water! Beds are lovely individual bunks with privacy screens. Hope it’s going to be a good night.

Rest of the afternoon was spent chilling on the patio with a bottle of Rosada and the lovely company of Nancy,Dave and Louie, again! I remembered that heel burn I had experienced, and checked my foot. I have my first Camino blister!! I feel like a real pilgrim now LOL!

The pilgrims dinner choices were not anything I was prepared to eat hahaha. Stewed vegetables or lentils with mushrooms as the starter. No thank you. And Beef stew or fried sardines for the main. Uuummmm, big no to both. Melon or rice pudding for dessert - sure as heck wasn’t having rice pudding either! Thankfully, I was able to get a carbonara pizza. Whew. Food bullet dodged!!! Until it arrived and it was covered in chopped mushrooms!! Oh Lord. I looked like a 3 year old, picking them all off!! I shared the pizza with Dave who got the short straw on his dinner serving. And just for the record, the lentil soup with mushrooms was fabulous (Nancy let me try hers).

All in all, a great day. Lots of walking, but we covered it in really good time, so I am happy with that. Apparently, my pace was faster than what Nancy was used to - and here I was, thinking I was holding them back. I told Nancy she should lead tomorrow, and I will follow.Read more