Day 30 El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas

The Camino rush started at 5:30am, most annoying but I guess some people have mileage to complete.

For me it was another 18km day, I was determined to be in León by Saturday. 

I set off around 7:30am, it was not very exciting for about 12km's. A modern path running alongside a road. I realised I was in the mood for a city again.

I really missed my Camino family this morning. I thought to myself where is Linda, Meme, Laura, Jayne, Amanda and Angela. The few people I consider my Camino family. 

To me the scenery was not great and that made the walk a lot more difficult. It was a simple case of one foot in front of the other and plod along.

I must say the mind travelled to so many different places. It's these times that I obtain clarity on so many things.

I somehow managed to smell the roses and actually enjoyed the walk.

I arrived in Reliegos at around 10:30am, had something to eat at the Albergue restaurant.

That left me with just over 6km's until my rest spot for the night. 

At least the scenery had improved and it felt like I was out of the wilderness of nothingness.

I arrived in Mansilla de las  Mulas around 12:00 and checked in at Albergue El Jardín del Camino.

It's great arriving early as I could pic my bed.

I showered and then had my washing done by the washing machine. It can be luxury on the Camino.

I then ordered myself two fried eggs and chips, just divine I tell you.

It was really nice meeting some people today especially the three retired Australian ladies. We shared some good Camino laughs together.

Mansilla de las Mulas has a population of 1900. The name of the town comes from Mano en Silla (hand on the saddle), it also defines the town's coat of arms. 

De Las Mules (of the mules), dates back to the prominence of the livestock market.

I went for a walk in the town this afternoon. I walked through the remains of what was "The Door of Saint James", only the side walls remain. Then I followed the Camino route passed the Iglesia de Santa María into the tiny square and walked back to the Albergue.

I enjoyed a lovely pilgrim meal with the Australian ladies and a very interesting lady by the name of Veronica.

Veronica is in her 70's and she has been walking the Camino in the opposite direction. She has been doing various Camino's in Europe since the early 90's. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her stories and all the knowledge she has. We are now Facebook friends.

That's my story for the day.

Day 29 Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero

I was told last night my washing would only be ready at 8am this morning. That ended any ideas of an early morning. I suppose that was a good thing as the extra sleep helped somewhat. 

I was on the road by 8:15am.

Took a nice stroll through the town, walked over the old Roman bridge and took a few pics of the river Cea.

The sun was up but as usual the cold wind was blowing.

I walked along the poplar grove past the camping site to the national roads.

I took the route I planned on doing, not a very picturesque route. 

I stopped in Bercianos del Real Camino for something to eat.

I was very hungry as I did not have much breakfast. Toasted ham and cheese just like the old days. My Mom used to make snackwiches for us when we were kids, felt like I just got home from school. Ah, dream on, that was many years ago. It reminded me of how time really moves at such a rapid pace.

I needed to walk another 7.5km's and find a bed for the night. 

I then headed down the path again for the final walk of the day. It was not very exciting at all.

After a total of 18km's I was finally in El Burgo Ranero. 

I checked in at Albergue La Laguna for a total of 8 Euro, I was allocated a bottom bunk in a room with 8 beds.

I went for shower and got something to eat.

That's my short story for the day.

Day 28 Ledigos to Sahagún

This morning I woke up with noise up above. The floors upstairs were wood and clearly the people above were having a Camino rush.

Gon and I decided staying in bed would be a good option as it was only 5:45am.

By 6:15am, I decided it was time to emerge, I was ready an hour later. 

The horrible cold wind was blowing again, so it was another day of layering up. 

I headed out of the Albergue and Gon was having her breakfast, more like an excuse for a breakfast. I got stuck into my cashew nuts whilst I walked.

I knew I would make up for the loss in food a bit later. It was extremely cold   , it made me quicken the pace somewhat. 

It only took about 30 mins and I was in the town of Terradillos de los Templarios. There was less than nothing going on, clearly a bit early for the town.

After about 4 km's I found myself in the town called Moratinos, they had the best little pub come restaurant, I was starving by that time. It was good to stop for about a half an hour and refuel.

I enjoyed the walk after this although the body was feeling somewhat tired.

Today I reflected on my future career in a big way and must say I really got excited about my passions in life. There is a long road ahead of studying and very hard work, I feel it's all worth it to be happy.

After another few km's I was in a little town called San Nicolàs del Real Camino. I stopped for a much needed espresso to warm up.

On the way out of town I came across a Korean couple, she posed for a pic with her little wash line hanging on the backpack, it was hysterical. We all had a great laugh together. I really cherish these little moments each day. 

Today is the 29th of May, I left home on the 29th of April. It really feels odd that time has flown by so quickly. I am already half way through the Camino and very relieved to have a full two months to do it.

After a few more km's I said goodbye to the Palencia province and I entered the Leòn province. 

I couple of French people caught up to me. It was actually amazing as before that I was contemplating how much further I would walk today. 

It's kind of difficult stopping in Sahagún if you following the traditional route as they next day would only be 9.2km's. If I went further I would have to walk another 18.9km's as there are no other towns.

As luck would have it, there is another route called the Real Camino  Frances (Royal French Way) via Bercianos to El Burgo Ranero. This would allow me to walk about 18km's for the day. The French group spoke to me and mentioned that they were also doing the alternative route, maybe I should do it. That was me sold on the idea, why not enjoy the route than get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

As I was approaching the town of Sahagún, I turned right over the main road and walked along the river. I wanted to see the tiny Mudéjar- style chapel amongst the shady poplar grove and cross over the Ermita Virgen bridge.

It was really pretty along there with birds singing and sound of flowing water.

Then I met up with the French group again and they kindly took a pic of me. 

I slowly walked into town and checked in at the La Cordoniz hotel with my own room and private bathroom. I needed some alone time as I know the next two days will be Albergue's before I reach León.

I was sitting in the pub this afternoon and the Irish guy I met a few days back walked in. He spent four days in Burgos to recover from a shin injury. It's better to slow down than deal with major injuries, I am learning these valuable lessons.