The meseta continues….and it’s still hot.
You might remember from a previous post that we are now walking on the section of the Camino known as the meseta. For the most part, it is relatively flat but there is very little shade and it is very hot right now in Europe. we also knew that we would probably have our longest walk yet – 19 miles. So, once again, we started early to get a headstsrt. We left the alburgue around 5:45. What we didn’t consider is that it would still be dark. When we did this yesterday in Burgos we were in the middle of a city and so there were lights all over the place. This morning, we were in the middle of nowhere and so I got to use my nifty little headlamp for the first time. Right now, it’s the little things that get me through. Haha!
In the midst of the meseta, however, we encountered some pretty cool diversions.
We walked through the ruins of the Convent of San Antón (Saint Anthony) originating from the 13th century. It must’ve been quite a structure in its heyday.
Then, we went through the city of Castrojeriz. There, you can find the Monasterio de Santa María del Manzano (Monastery of Saint Mary of the Apple Tree). Evidently, the name comes from a legend that Santiago (St. James) saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in an apple tree. Today, besides being at church, it houses a museum of secret art. I decided to take a quick stroll through and was not disappointed.
The town also has the ruins of an old castle up on the hillside.
Now, I know I said that the meseta is relatively flat. However, coming out of Castrojeriz there is one small mountain that you have to go over. It was a pretty steep uphill and a very steep downhill. My calves were sure feeling it today.
There wasn’t too much else to report for the rest of the hike other than a few fun things I saw.
Finally, we ended up in the town of Boadilla del Camino where we are spending the night.
Buen Camino!
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