Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla Das Mulas

Forests on the Meseta
The Camino on horseback…
New highways and not ONE car in sight…they too have been taken by Martians
View from the bedroom window…
…and into the dvor (courtyard)
The ANZACS – Gary from Hunter Valley, Fiona and David from Melbourne, Maggie from Newcastle, Us and Bronwyn from NZ
Fields forever….green
And on the turn
And Sam would have said “that’s got a good head on it”

Well, today was a 26km day ( somehow a kilometer less than we had anticipated – a blessing)  the issue was that there wasn’t a coffee until the 20km point….I realise now that is simply unaccceptable – we can walk as  long as we are caffeinated!

The highlights of the day were the two guys that are doing the camino on horseback (plenary indulgences for the horses?) and the bar in the village called Religos that makes toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches in a Breville sandwich press – hilarious (but tasty).

Again, the Martian theory was supported by the fact that we stood on bridge for ages and NOT ONE car went past on a new freeway – WHERE IS EVERYONE.  We understand that back in Sahaguna  they are running the bulls and that there is a bull fight – but really…NO CARS?????

We are staying in a  tiny Hotel Rural (4 rooms to rent) and the church bells I can assist in  ringing from my bedroom window.  6.00am should be all sorted for me!  We had drinks in a little alley and were joined by Adam and Owen  – two young Uni grads from Ohio and Bill and Steve from Florida and the ANZAC crew.  We still can’t believe that a bottle of Vino Tinto (local red) is cheaper than a bottle of water – so of course, it’s Vino Tinto all round (except for Lori who is on Vino Blanco con jelo).

Tomorrow we anticipate an unmemorable walk as we are entering the city of Leon and have to walk through the industrial area and suburbs – luckily only 17km or so….but the reward is that we have a day off – laundry and rest…we can’t wait!

7 thoughts on “Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla Das Mulas”

  1. I’m pretty sure that horses can receive plenary indulgences – just ask any Irish person. I seem to remember that Macha, wife of Cruinniuc and sovereignty goddess of Ulster and Antrim in ancient Ireland, is associated with land, fertility and ……. horses – ergo, Ireland, catholicism, plenary indulgences, horses.

  2. Just loving the images and narrative as I sit at my desk…on my guza now for days…writing reports and doing school ‘stuff’.
    I am transported to your journey and escape for a while! How many have declared that they too wnat to be Camino-ing??
    Coffee and cake is a must…don’t feel guilty! Oh the food…yum…
    Just two days now until Eleni jets off…she’s very excited…and less than 3 weeks for us!!
    Happy half way!
    Angie XX

    1. So Angie – one part of the Camino starts in Ireland….its about a 15 day walk…..just saying…..

  3. I’m recalling your list of songs about rain. Seeing all your photos of green fields you might pass the time by coming up with songs about fields … here’s a start …

    Fields of Gold (Sting, of course)

    Strawberry Fields Forever (The Beatles)

    When I was a little bitty baby my momma would rock me in the cradle, in them ole cotton fields back home … (OK, they did easily come to mind!!)

    Keep on walking 🚶‍♀️🌲🚶🏽‍♂️

    1. Ok that is tomorrow’s “job” there’s a lot to be said for walking as a job…

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