Day 19

Frómista to Carrión de los Condes

We decided to sleep in this morning until 7:00 am. We had breakfast in the hotel and did not start the Camino until 8:25. It was a shorter day of only 12 miles and the weather was not going to be warm, so we decided to take a chance. It was a good decision. It was a fairly easy hike. 

After about five miles, we stopped in a village called Villarmentero and took a break. It had a cool, grassy area with tables and chairs scattered beneath shade trees. There were also some funky statues that added to the ambience. There were chickens, roosters, a dog, and two geese running around freely. At one point I decided to use the restroom and noticed the geese were standing by the entrance. I told Jim I would wait since geese kind of scare me. He said, “You need to be the alpha. Don’t look directly at the geese and just walk into the bathroom. They will get out of your way.” “Ok,” I said as I confidently strode toward the bathroom. 

As I approached, one of the geese hissed and started moving  toward me. I screamed like a little girl and ran in the opposite direction. The two geese honked in unison and started chasing me. With the commotion, the dog started barking and running toward me. I told him, “I’m not scared of you and pet his head. He rolled over on his back and I asked, “Who’s the alpha now?” The geese backed off. 

Although the walk was only 12 miles, it followed along a road for the entire length. Because of that, today’s trip was not exactly scenic and was a little boring. The duration was only three hours and 35 minutes, so it was bearable.

We have noticed that a lot of pilgrims use hiking poles to assist them on the Camino. Jim and I each brought one and we used them during the steep downhill on day one. Typically we have it in our pack at the ready. One of our observations is that a lot of folks are now carrying their poles - I assume because the Camino is relatively flat within the Meseta. I just wonder since they are not using them, why not pack them away?

We made it to our destination, Carrion des los Condes and checked into our hotel. After drinking a lot wine yesterday with our Canadian friend, all three of us decided lay off the wine today. I think I’ll go have a beer.

Tomorrow we head to Calzadilla de la Cueza.