Our amazing host made us breakfast at 6 am and we were away shortly after 6.30 am. We had a big day ahead! We caught the sun coming up over the fields as we made our way to our first stop, Calzada de Valdunciel.
We detoured off the path slightly to find an open bar, which served us our second breakfast of milk coffee and toast with ham and tomatoes. The other customers all looked to be local workmen, but we were made to feel welcome.
Heading back to the Camino, we found some yarn bombing, which reminded us of the Northern Rivers Knitting Nannas back home, who participated in Knit Ins for worthy causes. Back on the path, we found a ceremonial row of broken milestones on the way out of the village.
Blister free after our rest days, we marched out confidently on the dirt track. The track led us past fields of wheat, with the occasional poppy thrown in. A screen of yellow broom separated us from the N630 and the motorway, which were quite close. The Camino yellow arrows directing us on were sparse but adequate. When we came to a river, we had to cross at the N630 but were soon back on the dirt track. We saw big rolls of hay and irrigation machinery at work. We met a Hungarian pilgrim having a rest on a rock. We passed by a large penitentiary and took advantage of a convenient lump of concrete for a rest stop.
The track continued on through small patches of dehesa. We had the option of following the dirt stony road or a single lane through the broom - we tried out both. A picnic spot was advertised on the motorway, but as it was inaccessible to us, we kept walking on.
After 20 km we came to our lunch stop at El Cubo de Tierra del Vino. With our rule of entering the first place that looks like it could meet our needs, we entered Cafe Iván. Although it was early by Spanish standards - only 1.30 pm - they were happy to serve us an excellent menú del dia and even gave us some ice for our water bottles.
We usually find that 10 km of walking is adequate to digest our lunch, but we had 13 km to go today. Luckily the dirt road left the N630 at this stage and we followed it through some very scenic fields. There were patches of corn and vineyards. Rain was threatening, which meant the light was great (or as our friend Deb would put it, 'Nature's Diffuser' was at work). We took many photos of the colored patchwork of fields.
After a few milestones, we made it to our accommodation for the night. This was our longest daily walk ever, but our good health, the pleasant terrain and moderate temperatures made it all enjoyable. But we're glad of the shorter day tomorrow!
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| Up in time to catch the sunrise |
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| Some more murals on the way out of Castellanos de Villiquera |
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| The land was flat and the sky was grey, as we set out on our walk today. |
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| The Via de la Plata towards Calzada de Valdunciel |
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| Calzada de Valdunciel |
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| The Via de la Plata on from Calzada de Valdunciel |
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| Signs on the path today. Mostly helpful. |
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| Varied scenery on the Via de la Plata |
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| On to El Cubo de Tierra del Vino |
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| El Cubo de Tierra del Vino |
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| Moving on after a satisfying lunch at Casa Iván in El Cubo de Tierra del Vino |
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| Colourful scenery as we continued northwards under a light shower |
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| Finally - Villanueva de Campeán in sight |
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| Snails |
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| Flowers |
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| Birds |
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| Day 46 - Map |
Day: 46
Distance: 40.10 km
Walking time: 7 hrs 52 mins
Elevation gain: 493 meters
Cumulative distance: 907.03 km
Well it's time to get caught up, just a few days behind 😆...20?. Sorry!!. So many wonderful photos today and on a huge day of walking, where did you find the time? You can't argue with opportunities though when nature's natural diffuser was waiting for you. I'm so impressed, well done.
ReplyDeleteThe photos provide an opportunity for a welcome rest! Thanks for your encouraging words.
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DeleteRed Kite ? (I can't be 100% sure but I think it is Red rather than Black Kite. If so, I'm envious as this is one I had hoped to see in Ireland but had no luck with), White Stork
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