If you think this was a plant; you are right.The smile was soon wiped of our faces when we climbed the “Calvary” Hill towards the end of the day’s walk.
We entered the National Park and enjoyed a beautiful walk through Mediterranean Oak Forests.
We were rewarded for our breathless 550 Metre ascent, with the spectacle of Iberian Black Pigs snuffling about.
And the ancient mining village ( our next destination ),Almaden de la Plata; an unspoilt gem of a village,where we found El Romeral, our Casa Rural.Storks nesting on the church roof.
Treated ourselves to “Tinto Verano” for Mac; G & T for me.
Our next walk, took us through more Oak forest, punctuated by Cactus hedges and cared for countryside.
The Camino took us past farms, with goats, pigs and sheep; we were moments behind this birthday.
The Camino contined through managed forest,and was well signposted by the Seville Confraternity.
Two Kms from our destination was a poignant memorial to the man most responsible for resurrecting the Via de la Plata in Andalucia; his enthusiasm resulted in the office of volunteers referred to earlier in the Blog and their great way marking.
Real de la Jara, castle, sleepy seeming place, our next stop.
We had climbed another,unanticipated Calvary on our way down; a fountain for Pelegrinos to refresh themselves!
To La Encina Hostal, which was situated on the edge of a small, industrial estate; inconguous place !
We met up with an American and a Dutch coupłe that we had bumped into several times.Great company as we spent the afternoon, in the sun together swapping experiences, etc.Quite the norm on a Camino.
Picture of our Dutch friends as they were offered Jelly Beans with their Vino! Good humoured, generous hosts….
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