“That thou, light-winged Dryad of the trees,
In some melodious plot
Of beechen green, and shadows numberless,
Singest of summer in full-throated ease.”

ODE TO A NIGHTINGALE by John Keats

As we were walking along the Canal ,Tom stopped and with the aid of an App. on his phone, identified the song of a Nightingale – something I had never heard before – the Camino provides wonder,too.

A leisurely start to a short saunter this morning,with the ever present markers to guide us.

The Canal de Castilla, an impressive work of hydraulic engineering, was one of the best projects of this type to be built in Spain throughout the 18th and 19th centuries at the hands of the Enlightenment and at a time when it was necessary to sell grain surplus and improve commercial communications.

What was born as a navigation route for the transport of goods, would be closed to traffic in the middle of the 20th century, in 1959. Considered today as an Asset of Cultural Interest, since then its main function has been focused on irrigation, to which unites its interest as one of the most attractive tourist routes in Castilla y León, due to the scenic, natural wealth and the historical-artistic value that the cities that are in its path arouse.

This artificial river, which runs for 205 kilometers of the plateau between the provinces of Palencia and Valladolid, has become a route of cultural interest that in its three branches -North, South and Campos- offers visitors a rich and varied architecture of its own , a natural environment on its shores and the historical and traditional grounds of the towns that are in its path.

The Northern Branch starts in Alar del Rey and ends in Ribas de Campos, where the so-called Ramal de Campos begins, until it reaches Medina de Rioseco. And the Southern Branch begins at the fork of the Campos Branch in El Serrón and continues to the city of Pisuerga, Valladolid. https://www.turismocastillayleon.com/es/arte-cultura-patrimonio/grandes-rutas/canal-castilla

We continued along the Camino and entered Fromista noting another Stork’s nest on the way.

A 12.5 mile walk tomorrow . Ranjit declared “ it would be a walk in the park “ – we’ll he would, wouldn’t’ he ?

Hontanas is a picturesque and typical Camino village tucked away in a little valley – dedicated to Pelegrinos.

Saint Anton known as the hermit or the abbot, was a Christian ascetic of the 4th and 5th centuries. His life was written by Saint Athanasius. We know about him -among other things- that he was born into a wealthy family in Egypt. Later, he sold his goods and became a hermit. His relics were kept for a long time in Alexandria before being transferred to Constantinople and finally received in France. The rapid expansion of this group in free territory was the response to the strong devotion that San Antón produced for his intercessory quality against this disease. It soon ceased to be a lay group to become an order made up of regular canons of San Agustín.

When San Antón cured the founder of his illness, he asked him to create a hospital to cure those suffering from the same disease, giving him a staff in the shape of a “T” (tau), which became a symbol of the Order (Antonians wore a letter tau on their robes) and an essential part of their ritual. ( info. extracted from an article called VIAJE A ASTURIAS

Onwards, then, along a newly constructed pathway to Castrojeriz

 And it was 

these bloody battles that gave Castrojeriz its name since the Arabic name was 

Castro del Xaraiz , whose meaning is 

bloody castro .

There are many interesting structures in this ancient pilgrim town.

Leaving Castrojeriz

A town whose population is diminishing and it’s only lively spot is our “ digs” for tonight Hotel Rural en el Camino.

I have very ambivalent feelings about Graffiti, regarding it as mostly infantile scribbling – in cities I have developed indifference towards it – but my hackles were raised when this son of Wales cast no glory on his homeland by defacing these signs.

High on a hill overlooking Hornillos , was this cross at the top of a rare hill on the Meseta

That quiet scene brings an end to the first day’s walking – such variety of places,scenery and signs…hopefully of more good things to come.

5.30 taxi to Birmingham Airport and a fairly efficient route through check-in with help from an

Assistant as the machine would not read my barcode!

However RYANAIR app did the trick.

Security took a little longer but we soon comfortably seated in the “ Spoons” where I treated myself to Eggs Benedict and limitless coffee. All the group were refreshed and after a trip to Boots we found our Gate and were seated efficiently on Ryanair 08.35 flight to Barajas Airport,Madrid.

An uneventful flight and after disembarking found ourselves in a long queue through security, casting envious glances at the rapidly disappearing EU passport holders,including Rob,proudly brandishing his Irish passport.

Another BREXIT benefit but at least we were in charge,confirmed by the fact that the UK had exceeded record numbers of migrants….Still, the Braverman witch was saying we don’t need to import fruit pickers – we can train our own .

I wonder how many days,weeks or years it takes to train to be a fruit picker. Perhaps you get the same elevated status of someone who can make a cup of coffee who then call the selves “ Baristas”.

Synonyms for “ fruit picker “ are notoriously rude so don’t go calling yourself a “wenatcheebanana” !

Getting back on track we eventually found the transfer bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 and the newly designed Barajas bus station.

Very light and spacious, however, unusually for Spain, no cafe/ bar, but well stocked vending machines even though the group found the sandwiches rather bland. Fortunately, my accountant had prepared a Ramblers style picnic for which I was very grateful.

The weather looked fine from our viewpoint in the departures hall and Ranjit, one of our group on his first Camino disappeared for a few moments, only to return in a very fetching pair of shorts and t-shirt. I had to remind him we were going to Burgos not Benidorm but we all admired his optimism. Perhaps it was well founded because the forecast for our first day’s walking destination tomorrow,Hontanas’ is set at 16* and sunny – ideal walking conditions

There was a little confusion at the departure bays as there were two buses departing simultaneously.

Both via Burgos and it was far from obvious which was which until we started to board the wrong one ! The joys of travelling independently. ALSA buses

We had hardly travelled for five minutes when the coach approached the barrier to the Autovia, a coach in front moved through and just we were about to do the same, the brakes were jammed on suddenly….the barrier had managed to wedge itself between the drivers side wing mirror and the bodywork of the coach. Two female employees started rushing in and out of the booth and achieving precious little…I expect this was a “ first”. After a wait of fifteen minutes or so assistance appeared in a van with a man. After a few light hearted exchanges with our somewhat surly driver, he pressed something and the barrier lifted, the bus reversed a metre or so,the barrier was tested twice and then thankfully were were able to continue our journey northwards.

About 90 KM from Burgos there was a hold up on the road by the Guardia Civil – diverted into one lane- with guys holding serious weapons – I’m pretty sure they weren’t checking for insurance. No photos for obvious reasons.Not too long a delay and we were off again.

Tom got us to our Digs – Hotel Norte y Londres – pleasant check in and within half an hour we were in Bar Aguilas where Ranjit recounted his problems booking in down the road, but with only 200 metres to walk to our chosen restaurant for the evening – something to do with Blacksmith’s).

A pilgrim friendly menus for €17.00 , 3 courses plus wine and bread and a choice of ten starters and mains – rustic cooking at its best and to complete the night a dessert of Arroz con Leche. Muy Buen.

Somebody had the idea of a “ digestif” and so we called in at Los Aguilas again. Whilst deliberating on what to drink the waitress held a bill for 3 unpaid beers earlier on! A total oversight that they accepted good humouredly.After all, if we had done a runner we would not have some back!

A good night in Burgos.

Walking tomorrow.

The capital of the county of Maragatería in the province of León offers a rich medieval legacy, the result of its location at the crossroads of: the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela and the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Road). Its walled town preserves churches, convents and hospitals which take travellers back to the purest tradition of the Pilgrim’s Road. Another outstanding feature in the town’s streets is a culminating work by the Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí: the Bishop’s Palace. Astorga is, also, a good opportunity for enjoying the rich cuisine of this area.

Astorga stands at the confluence of two important Spanish routes which in past times were pilgrims’ itineraries. The older of the two, the Silver Route, dates from Roman times. This itinerary (Gijón-Seville) was the route used to transport the metal extracted from the mines in the north of the peninsula to the shipping ports in the south. During the Middle Ages it was used by Arab and Christian troops at the time of the conquest and the reconquest. This excellent communications route throughout the centuries then became the way for pilgrims heading for Santiago de Compostela.The Way of Saint James, the Jacobean route that has been declared a part of our World Heritage by the UNESCO, also runs through Astorga. This was part of a series of paths that criss-crossed Europe and northern Spain on the way to Santiago de Compostela, a holy city by virtue of being the site of the tomb of Saint James the Apostle. The historic quarter of this town in Galicia is also a World Heritage Site. WP States “ In Astorga you May notice a sudden increase in the number of pilgrims…they are likely Spanish, as this is a common starting point for Spaniards,or they have come from Sevilla along the Via de la Plata. A quick peek at their boots will tell the two apart”

“ Astorga also marks the beginning of the territory of Leon known as the Maragateria,home of a people called Maragatos….defined by the unique culture of strong mountain people, including arrieros ( traditional muleteers ) who transported goods over the mountains before there were railways and trucks and who were key to to Astoga’s rebirth as a centre for chocolate making”. BB

Here are just six of the highlights in what JB describes as “ An attractive city ( more akin to a lively market town) set atop a steep ridge with an…interesting array of historic buildings all tightly packed within its medieval walls”.

Brierley’s guide book has a useful walking tour on P.199

On the morning of 27 th May we take a five minute walk to Astorga Bus Station to board the 10.20 ALSA coach to Madrid. On arrival at 15.00 we will make our way to TACH Airport hotel.

I have benefited greatly from these four guide books and hope I have credited them accurately.

“ The majority of this stage is relatively solitary so bring food and water ( there are few villages on the way ) however there are attractive sections with trees and other shade in which to rest out of the sun…allow some time to savour Orbigo. Note the last section beyond Orbigo has some gentle hills” JB

BB gives some further advice, “ If it rains, even only slightly, along this stretch, watch the path under your feet,for snails and caterpillars may come out to revel in the precipitation. Notice that the terrain is changing, shifting from mustard yellow towards a darker,iron- rich Earth. The fields around you grow many large-scale crops, including corn,potatoes and sugar beets.”

The Puente del Paso Honroso is called a “ top experience” by BB “ the 19-arched bridge “.

“ Pass over the bridge to the equally delightful village which, on the far side becomes Hospital de Orbigo and a knights commandery of the ancient Order of St. John who maintained a pilgrim hospital here”

LEAVING HOSPITAL de ORBIGO “ Follow the yellow arrows out of town where the main road through Hospital de Orbigo turns from black asphalt to a wide earth path. Here the road splits, one following the Astorga / Camino Way to the right, and the other Astorga / by Highway to the left.BB Both JB & BB recommend the the turn to the right. “Staying on the Camino Way is more beautiful,wilder and rewarding, passing through low red hills,wheat fields and groves; this also seems to be the original path of the Camino and has more food and accommodation support.” BB “ It is only a little longer…and above all, you do not have to hear the traffic” . SR

After 5 Km or so you come upon La Casa de Dioses.BB is the only one of the four guides I have been referencing to mention this “ free pilgrim paradise”. La Casa de Dioses “ feels like a small encampment on the Mongolian Steppe. Yurt like shelters made of blankets give warmth as does a hot kettle of tea. Bowls of fruit are arrayed on tree stumps and a food stand is arrayed with cheeses hard boiled eggs,yogurt, juices and vegetables….Drop what you can afford in the money jar and take what you need” . BB. David Vidal from Barcelona operates this oasis,he makes everyone welcome and his shelter is based on the honour system, hauling the fuel and water here himself . Such humility and grace.

They are San Justo de la Vega and Astorga.

Following an initial steepish path downwards we come into San Justo de la Vega,” an expanding residential satellite of Astorga with several bars and restaurants” JB.

“León’s 13th-century cathedral, with its soaring towers, flying buttresses and breathtaking interior, is the city’s spiritual heart. Whether spotlit by night or bathed in glorious northern sunshine, the cathedral, arguably Spain’s premier Gothic masterpiece, exudes a glorious, almost luminous quality. The show-stopping facade has a radiant rose window, three richly sculpted doorways and two muscular towers. The main entrance is lorded over by a scene of the Last Supper, while an extraordinary gallery of vidrieras (stained-glass windows) awaits inside.” WANDERLOG.COM

For the evenings’ entertainment and delectation there is only one destination – The Barrio Húmedo is located in the Spanish city of León and is part of its Old Town. The name roughly translates as the ‘Wet District’, so called because of the number of bars and pubs located in the area. The Barrio Húmedo is a circular area in the centre of the city, running from Las Cercas street, up to Calle Ancha and across from La Rua to Caño Badillo street. At its centre sits the lively Plaza de San Martín,

I could not resist the temptation to include two places renowned for their food and drink, just to give a flavour of what to expect.

El Rebote

If you like croquetas (deep-fried croquettes), then you’ll love El Rebote, as it’s famous for them. Instead of regular croqueta flavours such as ham or mushroom, they have innovative varieties such as pizza, beef or even jalapeño chili pepper.

Plaza San Martín, 9, León, Spain

El Rincon Gaucho

This cute little bar offers a limited number of tapas options, which are all equally tasty. Try the traditional Leonese sopa de ajo (garlic soup). Thick and fragrant, it’s made from crusty bread and roasted garlic.

Calle de la Azabachería 1, León, Spain

San Martin del Camino, at the end of the next day’s saunter will come as a complete contrast to Leon with less than 400 inhabitants! “ Leaving Leon….you will cross the bridge over the Bernesga river , and pass a small tree- covered park,where hens and roosters roam. The Camino then continues west. This is perhaps one of the road’s ugliest,most industrial stretches, though the people along it are very nice. If you wish to skip the 7.7 KM of walking on pavement, the bus…with “ Virgen del Camino” noted on its digital sign,stops at the corner where Avenida de la Magdalena opens up after the first traffic roundabout,just after passing the park ( a hardware store, Ferreteria El Crucero, is across the street). You’ll see a small sign on the sidewalk and a large white BUS painted on the asphalt. Buses run every half hour. The bus drops you off on the Camino in La Virgen del Camino”. BB Useful and very detailed information

“La Virgen del Camino is named for the miraculous sighting of the Virgen by a local shepherd. His vision has been translated into sculptures several times by artists…the sculptures are stunning and bear a resemblance to La Piedad by Michelangelo, with the exception that Jesus is facing downwards.

JB’ s maps indicate a cafe/ bar in Valverde Casa Camino and BB describes two options further on in Villadongos del Paramo,” just before exiting town,there’s a good bakery and general store Hermanos Garcia to your right that sells provisions , including fresh baked goods,fresh fruits and vegetables,olives,cheeses and cold cuts…”

“ Villadangos del Paramo is known as the site where Queen Urraca of Leon and Castile fought a battles against her husband,Alfonso I of Aragon, in 1111” BB It’s a complicated story but well worth researching . “ Every August the the town people stage a re- creation of the famous battle called La Mantanza )

BB tells us that we’ll “ next cross over the irrigation canal, Canal de Villadongos, followed by a wild wooded park ( you may ) get a glimpse a lot of bird life , including hawks, for nearly 2 kilometres before returning to run parallel with N 120, crossing to the left side of the road”.

SAN MARTIN del CAMINO “ is a quiet farming village …Nothing remains of the original 13 th century pilgrim town or the 17 th century hospice that stood right on the main street, calle real. The church is from 1963, though the bell tower survives from the 1600s” BB

Our “ digs” for this evening are in Albergue La Huela

“Thou shield of that faith which in Spain we revere

Thou Scourge of each foeman who dares to draw near

Whom the Son of the God whom the elements tames,

Called Child of the Thunder, Immortal Saint James!”

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

~ Pilgrims’ hymn, translated by George Burrows

Modern day protectors on the Camino – The Guardia Civil – what a cultural difference from my first encounters with them in the 70s.

I thought I should preface today ( I’m writing this on Maundy Thursday ) by reminding us of the four principal sources I have used: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO – Sergi Ramos – SR in the text. A WISE PILGRIM GUIDE TO THE CAMINO FRANCES – WP in the text. CAMINO DE SANTIAGO , A PILGRIM’S GUIDE – John Brierley – JB. CAMINO DE SANTIAGO -MOON – Beebe Bahrami – BB in the text .

This would appear to be a relatively straightforward saunter and SR interestingly,gives it most attention. “ …it is a testing one …the towns along the stage are far apart,although all of them,with the exception of Villamoros de Mansilla, have at least a bar , restaurant and grocery store. It is necessary , however, to carry sufficient water,above all for the first section.” WELL NOTHING WE WOULDN’T DO ANYWAY !

Just a little further on is the Archaeological site of Lancia – “ a detour to the right …the partially excavated ruins of the Roman settlement of Lancia “BB

After 6 KM or so “ Villarente shaded area down by the river ( The first building( left) was a medieval pilgrim hospital which operated a donkey ambulance service for sick pilgrims to Leon ). There are several cafes to choose from here.

“ The river here once posted a serious threat to pilgrims when waters ran high and as a result it became home to several pilgrim hospices”WP

Next up is Arcahueja,” The last chance to take a rest in the relative quiet before we hit the city traffic.150 metres off route,( left) is the welcoming bar La Torre”. JB

Puente Castro is the last notable place before entering Leon. ( The modern buildings here disguise the fact that this was an influential Jewish district in the XIIth c and site of a former Roman settlement “ JB

And the digs for this night,and our rest day ( 2 nights in all ) is rated 9. on Booking.com HOSPEDERIA MONASTICA PAX . It’ ll have to do….

The Camino de Santiago is a metaphor.

It is a metaphor for the Road of Life. Each day the Camino gives us something new: a new experience, a new challenge, a new blister, a new joy, a new sorrow, a new achievement, a new defeat, a new friend. Walking the Camino affords us the time and opportunity to see, understand and accept what we have encountered both on that day and on our entire Road of Life.

The famous „El Bar de Elvis“ in Reliegos, Spain, on the way to Santiago de Compostela

“ It was at Reliegos that the Astorga – Bordeaux Roman road and the French Way crossed. By way of complete contrast,WP informs us of this: Bar Elvis, quite possibly the most famous bar on the whole Camino,is located in the main square. The owner is quite a character…”

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Rolandomio Travel

If you ever walk the Camino de Santiago, you should not miss a bar! This bar is definitely the strangest bar I’ve seen on the Camino. It reminds me of a movie, but I do not remember which one it was? The graffiti-covered Bar de Elvis in Reliegos comes after a long sweaty hike on the Meseta. I had a great time in this bar, crazy rock music and oldies, good food, fab tapas, the best “boccadillos”, excellent wine and of course a wonderful company. The Elvis Bar, the meeting place for tired pilgrims 🙂

“ From the moment you leave Reliegos the outline of Mansilla May be seen. This is encouraging.” SR Just over 6 KM remain. “ You enter Mansilla de las Mulas through one of the surviving gates of its old wall of adobe and boulders,which dates from the twelfth century.” SR

“ Today, the old town is full of picturesque plazas…pedestrian promenades and riverside paths along the Esla river” BB And if you fancy a dip “ There is a nice place for a swim in the river

Accommodation is in Casa Bella – a whole house to ourselves.

Fine weather for the morning and a promise of rain for the afternoon. So after gathering our packed lunch – we both enjoyed these lunches everyday this week – we made for Porlock.

Porlock, it has to be said, is very much in Somerset and proud of the fact! The village first appeared in print in the 10th Century as Portloca from the Old English words meaning ‘Enclosure by the harbour’ and at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 it was Portloc. Under the shelter of the infamously steep Porlock Hill, the village enjoys a micro climate that makes it significantly milder and warmer than the mighty Exmoor at its hinterland.The Saxons developed Porlock as both a port and fishery, which inevitably attracted the unwanted attention of the Vikings.

After a shower and a rest we were ready to join in our last evening’s entertainment- A Peaky Blinders / Brummagem Evening .