Saturday November 22 nd 2014 Riego del Camino

Occasionally a small water reservoir, usually with some  houses for the upper ten, because Spaniards seem to like water, according to all the fountains I see in cities.

Today 28 km. At 4.30 p.m. I arrived in yet another tiny village, Riego del Camino. It was about time, because first I had to find Doritos, the equally tiny mayor lady to arrange with her the formalities in order to be allowed into the pilgrims’ hostel (stamping the pelgrimspassport, pilgrims pay 5 E). Next unpacking Leon, trying to find food somewhere (nope), searching for food for Leon, self catering, making my bed, possibly showering, charging all electronic devices, checking tomorrow’s circuit, calling for a place in a hostel tomorrow and if there is any time left I still want to see the village. Well, these hamlets have been visited quickly and usually I have passed them 3 times before I finally find the inn, the shop or bar and a place for Leon. For me, to put it clear, the function of the bar is to eat a meal, though I don’t mind having a beer after strolling all day .
But back to the start: the morning. Getting up at 6:45. Departure at 8.30 am. from Roales del Pan. Weather temperature is pleasant, a little sunshine, vast plains with only crop fields, (picture), usually slightly sloping. Only once I saw a buzzard falcon. But like in the Netherlands buzzards are common, here I see quite often the kite, rare in our country. Today I counted 14 kites together. Many snake herb, marjoram still bloomin, mmmm, a few little carnation. Not in the Netherlands or otherwise rare. Many partridges. And very few people. Huge this land, but no habitation. I suspect very large-scale landlordism, with owners in the city ??
It was a quiet walk, relaxing. While I take a brief rest, (the picture with the rock church), I had to be mad at Leon, because he stole my bread from my backpack. While I chased Leon to get back my bread Tosca stole the cheese out of my backpack. The rests of the cheese and of the bread I finished myself.
Everything in my brain is passing the revu. Sonja, home now has to run everything. My grass widow. Naturally always los niños, all of which are getting their lives settled, which makes me feel happy and causes no worries. The grandchildren, which I must miss now, sad enough. And myself here a little ridiculous, but at least I’m busy, on the road, on my way. One of the many good things my mother-in-law says is: der Mensch muss müssen ( there must be something to go for), I believe she got that from Nitsche, or Nitsche got it from her. My office and my nice co-workers have to keep the boat afloat without me for one year. Probably it’s much better then !, isn’t it Merie?
Again it’s night when I reach the albergue. I prepared two backpackers meals. At a Gerardo Lardinoirdo, local shepherd, I bought hay. 2 E for half a bag. A little expensive, but our Epen local shepherd Ger Lardinois always says: sheep’s money is counted soon. So I did not begrudge him. At 5:30 p.m. mayer mistress, small Dorita, arrived too with 3 kg of oats. My mind, that was worried about Leon, is now appeased again.
For tomorrow I had planned a long day of 34 km. to Benavente, but Doritos says that the inn is closed there. Then it will be Barcial del Barco, 24 km. My phone call to the landlady there sounded pretty nice already. For Leon they had a place too. That makes me feel happy. That implies that tomorrow will be a relaxed walk. Now checking if the shower has hot water here, but because there is no heating, my towel will not get dry after a possible shower. Not too bad.
In this village is no wifi, so these notes will be put on line later.
But I wanted to say something plenary to any fellow travelers: do not be scared off by my distances. I’m trying to anticipate by now walking greater distances, in order to walk less far when any amigos will join me. Moreover, there are still buses. So fear not AND remember Mama Alice !!