DAY 20 - SANTIPONCE to CASTILBLANCO DE LOS ARROYOS - Sunday 12 May 2024

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We picked up the Via de la Plata markers and headed out of town, enjoying the morning light. Many cyclists passed us, wishing us 'buen camino'. The track led us past flowery fields and some farm animals to Guillena, where we had a second breakfast. 

The Via offered a choice of ford or road trudge...of course we chose the former, with a scramble up the other side. We headed up into the hills and passed through olive groves before entering the 'dehesa' an area of oaks that has been cultivated since the Neolithic period.

We had lunch on a shady bank and then met our first fellow walkers on the Via: an American who had been studying in Seville and her dad, who decided to see what the Camino de Santiago was about.  

From there it was a pleasant hike into Castilblanco de los Arroyos. There was even a bench to sit on a few kilometres out! 

A pleasant start to the day's walk
Following the signs out of Santiponce 
The colourful  Via de la Plata
Views on the Via de la Plata to Guillena. We saw lots of cyclists, and a few cows and horses, but no other long-distance walkers.
Local cyclists and Australian long-distance walker enjoying second breakfast in Guillena
An interesting way out of Guillena
After tramping along a road for a while, we followed the Camino signs to a separate path
The Via de la Plata after Guillena
A shady lunch spot near the path
 
As we followed the path in to Castilblanco de los Arroyos, we had two highlights: an actual bench, and our first sight of fellow long-distance walkers. We are not expecting to see too many more benches on the way (except in the towns and villages), but we are hoping to see more walkers from here on. 
Birds
Day 20 - Map

Day:                               20
Distance:                      30.89 km
Walking time:               6 hrs 25 mins
Elevation gain:             548 metres
Cumulative distance:  343.68 km

Comments

  1. Murray and Sandra17 May 2024 at 20:35

    Some classic walking on the Camino images today!

    Birds are quite difficult today. Very nice picture of Glossy Ibis, but the other two are, at best, just guesses. Pied Flycatcher and northern Lapwing

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Howies18 May 2024 at 07:01

    Loving the height of flowers/grass, benches. Thanks Kath for providing these height perspectives for Russell to photograph :). Looks like it was a great day for a long walk as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers18 May 2024 at 07:32

      Glad you're enjoying the photos, happy to be of assistance as models!

      Delete

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