20 th April – onwards to the Junta de Extremadura 

“The best doesn’t always happen ~ but if you make the best out of what does happen ~ and if you always do that – you will be happy.” 

~ Berry Gordy

Leaving El Real de la Jara, we forded a stream and entered Extremedura. Still Oak forests and Cork trees. 

This castle was the stronghold of the knights who used to guard this route.

A feature,or,  one that is lacking – places for respite – on this Camino, you need to carry  adequate water & snacks to get you through long stretches, as there are no villages,hence no cafés, etc;

However,Some  8 Km out of Monesterio, our destination, incongruously, we came upon a motorway services – Leo Complex – same name as our hotel that evening.We had coffee and My lifesaver,Agua Con Gaz, and were overheard by a family of three, the father having worked in Birmingham and lived in Mere Green – coincidence?

Then a trip to the state of the art loos ,revealed a polite notice that had to be captured. 

 We entered Monesterio, Ham Capital of the region, passing by the Museum of Ham , we found our Hotel Leo.

Mac had a problem with a loose heel one on of his boots; the receptionist at the hotel arranged for him to be taken to a local, hardware store ( closed Sunday ), owned by her aunt,who kindly opened up to sell Mac some Superglue whereby he was able to repair his boot, narrowly avoiding glueing himself to the chair.Such helpfulness…Can you imagine that  happening in a Travelodge?

Next day,the terrain began to change from the Plata  being. ensconced by stone walls, and brush.

   The plains of Tetudia to the West and the Campina Sur to the East; rolling plains and more arable farming, with massive vistas on either side of our Roman route,which undulated and seemed to bisect them both. 

   Our  destination,Fuente  De Cantos,loomed tantalisingly in the distance.We crossed another stream and took a bag break,by a mini cross”. 

   We reached our Apartment, after 23 Km;very  welcoming and spacious,with the biggest grasshopper I have ever seen ! 

 Tomorrow,Zafra a beautiful place apparently; after 27km, I hope we can appreciate it. Meanwhile…..