To Fromista

What does a typical day look like for me? I generally get up between 5 and 6 AM depending on how far I am walking and I try and be out on the road by six or 7 AM. I usually have a banana as I start walking. I try to walk approximately two hours and then if there is a town with an open restaurant or bar, I will stop and have a Spanish tortilla or tortilla de patatas . if my destination is approximately 20 km, then I will just keep walking until I get to my destination. If my destination is more than 20 km away, I will take another break after two hours of walking and then finish my walk.

When I arrive at my destination, I find my Albergue and Check in. I have to show both my passport and my pilgrim credential. When I am shown to my bed, I unpack my backpack, put my sleeping bag on my bed find my shower things and go have a shower. after showering I hand wash my clothes and hang them out to dry.

Now it is probably around two or 3 PM. If the Albergue is offering a Pilgrims meal, I will reserve that, and then I have the luxury of putting my feet up for half an hour before going out to explore the town. If the Albergue  does not offer a Pilgrims meal I very quickly go into town and try and find a restaurant or cafeteria that will serve lunch. I prefer to have a late large lunch, then to try to wait for dinner, which is usually around 8:30 in Spain, I don’t like to eat so late when I am trying to get to bed before 10 PM.

Today was not a typical day. For the first time I decided to have breakfast at the Albergue before I left town. They were only two towns on the walk today and when I got to the first town I was not hungry, but I did take a rest, and I had a drink. I had forgotten that today was Sunday and most small towns close up completely so when I got to the second small town and I was hungry, there was nothing open. I always carry a packet of nuts with me and some other little food stuff, so I was fine.

The Albergue I stopped at today does not offer a pilgrims meal, so I quickly went out to try to find a late lunch. I did not realize that today is mother’s Day in Spain, and all the restaurants are very busy. I managed to get my name down at one restaurant and was waiting for a table to be ready. I saw another pilgrim come in and ask whether she was able to get something to eat, and they told her they were completely full. I asked whether she could eat with me and they said that was fine. So I had a lunch companion for my Mother’s Day lunch. This is one of the things I have really enjoyed about the Camino. You make instant friends. People are always so helpful.

 I got to walk up that hill first thing in the morning!

Old cave dwelling.


These distance markets are not very accurate!!
The last about 5 km were by a river .

With ancient locks
So many storks

I believe this is the oldest Romanesque church in Spain. Founded 1076. 
We were given carnations with our meal. 





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