DAY 23 - EL REAL DE LA JARA to MONESTERIO - Wednesday 15 May 2024

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Our early morning start was rewarded with stunning views of a ruined castle as we crossed into the Extremadura province.  

Today's walk was characterised by more 'dehesa', the curated fields of oak with grazing animals, including cows and the Iberian pig. Stone walls were a feature.

We walked steadily uphill, passing a field of sheep guarded by a massive dog. Alarmingly, he jumped the fence to check us out, but let us pass by without incident.  

Following a second breakfast at a highway service station, we walked between road and motorway on a strip of land with gum tree plantings - it could have been Australia. 

After a little bit beside the road, we finished with a stiff climb, passing goats along the way. We had a rest at the top on some well-placed benches with our German friend, before heading to the ham museum.

At the ham museum we learnt about the different grades of Iberian pig and how the annual sausage making is a family and friend event. As we walked through town, we passed many shops specialising in Iberian ham and sausages.

After checking into our hotel, we met up with our German friend again and had a delicious lunch, featuring Iberian ham.

We found a puddle!
Leaving El Real de la Jara early in the morning
A distinctive Camino sign at the border between Andalucia and Extremadura
Fun puddle photo - Castillo de las Torres
An atmospheric water crossing
Castillo de las Torres
Cows and Australian long-distance walkers enjoying the attractions of the dehesa
Cows
Sheep with guard dog. The photo of the dog was taken from a long distance. We weren't taking photos as we slunk past it, trying to appear harmless and inoffensive so it wouldn't rip us to pieces. 
Highway rest stop - well situated for a second breakfast stop
Scenic uphill walk to Monesterio, where we enjoyed a bit of a rest and a chat with a fellow walker
The Ham Museum in Monesterio is small but interesting
Birds
Day 23 - Map

Day:                               23
Distance:                      21.67 km
Walking time:               4 hrs 36 mins
Elevation gain:             625 metres
Cumulative distance:  410.6 km

Comments

  1. Victoria N15 May 2024 at 23:20

    We’ve been to a Matanza in Asturias it was fascinating. The countryside you are walking through looks lovely. The sounds in the eucalyptus forests are very different to Australia but the smell is very familiar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers16 May 2024 at 04:20

      How lucky to be able to participate in the matanza! The dehesa is very beautiful, especially in the morning light.

      Delete
  2. Manny15 May 2024 at 23:26

    Buen camino!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Murray and Sandra23 May 2024 at 21:06

    It’s hard keeping up with you! We’ve heard a lot about Jamon Iberico It’d be great to try it sometime and the museum would be very interesting

    Birds are also heard to keep up with. My thoughts on today’s flock are: white Storks, woodchat shrike, ?, ? , chaffinch, Crested or perhaps Thekla’s Lark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers24 May 2024 at 06:12

      Jamon iberico is delicious. Thanks for your thoughts on the birds.

      Delete

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