DAY 31 - MÉRIDA to ALJUCÉN - Thursday 23 May 2024

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A spectacular start to the day, leaving Merida by the second Roman bridge with great views of the aqueduct. 

We quickly located the Via de la Plata, passing another well. We joined a bike track which took us to the top of a hill, past two picnic areas, then we dropped down to the Embalse de Proserpina. This lake was built by the Romans and has been in continuous use every since. There were many people out enjoying the lake, mostly for fishing or dog walking. We saw plenty of birds, including some storks on the Red Cross tower. 

We would have liked to sit down in a café but found a shady bus shelter, which we shared briefly with a gentleman who said the buses didn't run anymore - he took a taxi. He said everything was closed because of the festival in Merida. 

We continued on, this time on a quiet road. The countryside turned to dehesa and we saw some cattle. The road become a dirt track, with helpful locals giving directions. Eventually we came to the town of El Carrascalejo, and enjoyed a simple but delicious menú del día for 10€. Here we met a Spanish pilgrim who was cycling the Via.

From there it was only a short walk to our special accommodation for the night, a hotel built in the style of a Roman house. We had a 60 minute session in the Roman baths, cycling between cold, warm and hot water - very relaxing. After that we had a Roman degustation menu which we enjoyed very much. 

Some of the Roman dishes we were treated to tonight,  with recipes taken from Apicius and Virgil, among others 
Leaving Mérida this morning
The path to the Embalse de Proserpina
The Embalse de Proserpina, formed by a Roman dam to provide water for Mérida 
Peaceful country scene
Another lost sole on the Camino
On to El Carrascalejo 
Only a few kilometres on to Aljucén 
Roman-themed dinner in Aljucén 
Birds
Day 31 - Map

Day:                                31
Distance:                       16.83 km
Walking time:               3 hrs 35 mins
Elevation gain:             300 meters
Cumulative distance: 540.84 km

Comments

  1. The Howie's24 May 2024 at 10:55

    Yet another wonderful day of emerging yourself in the local culture/celebrations. You both look very convincing as Romans 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers25 May 2024 at 07:15

      It was a lot of fun!

      Delete
  2. Murray and Sandra15 July 2024 at 07:29

    Cattle Egrets (with cattle), possibly Northern Shovellers, Mallard, possibly young Coot, Mallard, Little Egret, Domestic Geese, White Stork

    ReplyDelete

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