From Aljucen to Alcuesar

Having left the village,we crossed the river. 

 Soon, we entered National Park; most of the trek would be though forests of Oak.What struck me, immediately, was the silence which was only broken by birdsong. 

 We passed only three Pelegrinos during the course of this walk and were glad, given the usual absence of cafés or bars, that we had Boccadillos ” En Levar”, from where we had taken breakfast.

Moving on, we were relieved that there was a fence between us and these …. 

 I had read that there was little on offer at Alcuesar beyond a bunk in the local Monastery( lights out 9 pm ) .After a search, we found lodging at Casa Grande,a grand old house at the top of the village – we were the only guests and the lady who opened it up for us ran the local bar, where we ordered dinner, later that evening. 

O nd We then set off to find the bus stop, from where we were assured, we could take a bus the next morning to Caceres; remember when you ask a “local” , to choose wisely…after several blind alleys, we found the Parada,which turned out to be a 7 minute walk from Casa Grande.After serenading Mac, with some Caminho – related music, on the I-Pad;”One More Cup of Coffee Before I Go to the Valley,Below” by Roger McGuin & Calexico…great cover version.Good night’s sleep and on to Caceres.