DAY 32 - ALJUCÉN to MONTANCHEZ - Friday 24 May 2024

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Refreshed from our Roman bath and dinner the day before, we headed out along the Via in bright sunshine. We passed a farm where the dogs seemed too relaxed to bark at us. We turned into the Parque Natural and enjoyed the sandy tracks and the dehesa. 

We were surprised to find some well-placed benches at the 8 km mark and quickly took advantage of them. We then headed uphill, noticing the wild lavender and a green tractor in the middle of the track. It wasn't until we hit a sealed road a couple of kilometres later that we realised we hadn't noticed any Camino signposts or yellow arrows for a while. Sheepishly we turned back, passing a farmer who gave a knowing grin...

Back at the benches, we took the correct clearly marked path and headed uphill again, in a different direction. This time we were very careful to look for the Camino signposts and yellow arrows. We passed through scrubby country, eventually coming out at some farms. We checked the route carefully at the next set of benches and arrived in time for lunch at a bar in Alcuescar.

Well-hydrated and fed, we set out for the final 10 km of the day. We left the Camino at this stage as our destination of Montanchez was off route. Google Maps took us an interesting way through Alcuescar, in what appeared to be a drain. Some workmen got a surprise when we popped out the other end! 

The rest of the day's walk was on a fairly quiet tarred road, mostly uphill. There were granite boulders, stone walls and constructions, olive trees and some animals. At the end of a long climb, we finally arrived at our accommodation. Our host was excited to see us as we were her first Australians, as well as being walkers on the Via de la Plata. She gave us stamps for our credencials and some very welcome cold drinks. 

After a supermarket dinner, we walked up to the fortress for sunset. Spectacular! 

Our second time past this sign. The first time we followed the clearly incorrect path to the left. 
Leaving Aljucén
The Via de la Plata towards Alcuescar 
Taking advantage of a welcome bench
Not the Via de la Plata 
Back on the Via de la Plata towards Alcuescar 
Coming into Alcuescar 
Alcuescar 
The road to Montanchez 
Montanchez 
Lookout, Montanchez 
Montanchez 
The fortress, Montanchez
Views from the fortress, Montanchez 
Sunset, Montanchez fortress
Heading back to town after the sunset
Birds
Day 32 - Map

Day:                                32
Distance:                       34.68 km
Walking time:               6 hrs 50 mins
Elevation gain:             769 meters
Cumulative distance: 575.52 km

Comments

  1. Victoria N25 May 2024 at 08:04

    Oh, yes, I'd forgotten about 'that nigglely anxiety' one experiences when you haven't seen a yellow arrow for a while. I think the locals who maintain the Camino amuse themselves by stretching the distances between signage to the max. In your head you are working out how long it has been since you last saw one and have we missed one and how far will we have to go back and then finally you spot one..... what a relief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers26 May 2024 at 05:55

      Yes, and will you go back or just find a different way? It would have been quicker on the road but the path through the dehesa was much more pleasant.

      Delete
  2. Murray and Sandra15 July 2024 at 07:44

    Some good ones today. White Stork, Cinereous Vulture, Rock thrush

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Murray and Sandra15 July 2024 at 11:44

      on second thoughts it's probably the silhouette of a Blue Rock Thrush (which more likely in this area)

      Delete

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