Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Day 27: Entering Barcience
This camino has been one for the castles. I guess I know why they call the province Castle or Castille
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
D24: Toledo
The town is located on a peninsula, on elevated ground. Many of these original cities were built as fortresses. The Romans founded Toledo. There is a whole network of tunnles connected underground for Roman baths. The Moors made use of the same during their occupation.
D24: Toledo
While popular with the tourists, also fulfills its function running Spain. It use to be the capital of Spain. Now it shares that responsibility with Madrid.
D24: My first view of Toledo
Of all the caminos I have done, this is by far the grandest approach of a Spanish city.
D24: A lot of weather!
It snowed on me leaving Mora. Then I was hit with hail for about an hour before hitting Nambruca. Then I was soaked with rain before making it to Toledo. I was tired, cold and wet after walking the 40k. Hopefully my energy snaps back soon as I feel a cold coming on.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Day 22: Another hut along the way
Need to get out of the weather?
Something I am struck by on this camino the extent to which the elements and weather wear on me. There really is not any cover on the camino. Even in Don Quixote, the book speaks to how the weather is known to wear down the famed Docinea's looks from working outdoors. I have gotten cracked chapped lips and pealing skin on my legs, all from the wind and sun.
Monday, March 20, 2017
D20: I come across this pet ferret (kills rabbits)
The guy was using this thing to go down into burroughed tunnels to attack whatever critter was infesting the vineyard.
Day 20: Entering La Toboso
This is the famous town where Lady Docenea hailed, in Don Quixote. In the book when Sancho discovered who was this Docenea, he famously quipped that she was knowned to have climbed this church tower and yelling from 2 miles away, stopped some goat herders in their tracks from crossing her family's field.
D19: Meeting Joseph from Italy
Joseph, is 61 years old and in AMAZING shape. Whereas I average 20k a day, Joseph averages 45k. He is definitely in top shape. Plus he is probably 6'4" with long legs. I started in Valencia March 1 and he started March 9th, 365 km into the road to Santiago.
We had a fun time sharing a beer and dinner! Turns out he was both a fighter pilot for Italian Air Force and commercial pilot as well.
D19: Multiple holidays in town
It was Saint Joseph Day, Father's Day, and some other holiday. Complete with a marching band.
D19: Entering La Mota
More wind turbines, used to grind grain, are on display. Don Quixote attacked these wind turbines and, of course, loss.
D18: Castle/trailer trash hybrid
What obviously at one point was a great castle, was taken over by some folks with less means. Attempts were made to renovate this castle with cinder blocks, red bricks, cement and a variety of odds and ends. A part of it served as an animal barn of sorts.
Day 18: San Clemente to Las Pedroñeras
These large cannisters are used to store water in this part of Spain. I am not sure how they make them
