DAY 51 - GRANJA DE MORERUELA to TÁBARA - Wednesday 12 June 2024

-

Today was the start of our Camino Sanabrés, as the Via de la Plata split to go up to Astorga and we turned left to head towards Ourense. We noticed the differences immediately: a bit cooler, greener and hillier. We were in no hurry to leave this morning but our Swiss friends were even later. They caught us just before the river and went on ahead while we took photos of the historic bridge and surrounds. 

At the river we had the option of continuing on the road or taking a narrow track scramble over the rocks and along the river. Of course we chose the latter, and enjoyed it immensely. It reminded us a bit of an Australian bush walk, only better signposted and with different vegetation, oaks and balsam scrub (our Swiss friend thinks).

We reached a plateau and continued on a dirt road through some dehesa. There were muddy puddles from the rain the night before for us to practise our reflection photography. 

We had a banana break at the entrance to a farm before continuing to Faramontanos de Tabara. This had some very interesting constructions that Google Lens later identified as underground cellars for wine storage. We had a drink and piece of tortilla at a bar before heading out to Tabara. 

Along the way we saw another shepherd, sitting down having a rest while his dogs looked after the sheep. There were lots of haystacks, round and rectangular bales.

We checked into our hotel and were just in time for a late lunch. There were very generous servings - either they thought we looked hungry or they were trying to avoid leftovers!

After a rest, we made our usual trip to the supermarket. We didn't see the scales to weigh our bananas but another customer took them back for us. When we thanked her we got the usual 'Nada' ('it's nothing')... just an example of the many acts of kindness that we have been shown by Spanish people everyday. 

We explored the town a little before heading back to our accommodation for the night. 

The historic Puente Quintos over the Esla
Leaving Granja de Moreruela and beginning the Camino Sanabrés 
Hitting the road
Striding out on the Camino Sanabrés
Down to the River Esla 
We were joined briefly by the Swiss mother and son we had met yesterday. 
The historic Puente Quintos over the Esla
Some good old-fashioned bushwalking
More bushwalking
And a bit more
Leaving the Esla behind, the Camino took us onto a wheeled track
Fun with puddles - always a highlight
The Camino Sanabrés towards Faramontanos de Tábara 
Hay
Historic bodegas in Faramontanos de Tábara 
Faramontanos de Tábara
The Camino Sanabrés towards Tábara 
Tábara
Lunch. First course. 
Birds
Day 51 - Map

Day:                               51
Distance:                      26.06 km
Walking time:              5 hrs 18 mins
Elevation gain:            424 meters
Cumulative distance: 998.13 km

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PREPARING FOR ANOTHER LONG WALK

-
Image
We're excited to be getting ready for another adventure! This time we are heading to Spain. The plan is to walk from the southern most point to the northern most point, coast to coast.  We are utilising five pilgrim caminos, a first for us.  This is mostly because they are linking the places we want to visit,  but we are also keen to get a sense of the camino spirit we've heard so much about.   Map of our planned route across Spain We are not staying in the dormitories of the albergues - not so keen for sleepless nights - but have pre-booked a range of accommodation to ensure we get a bed at the end of every day.  Some days will have limited services so we will need to carry extra food and water.  We're very much looking forward to trying Spanish food and drink, especially the tapas and local specialities including sherry in Jerez. To prepare, we've been training with loaded packs on our local Lennox Head to Ballina walk,  varying the distance between 18 and 30 km. We&#
Read more

GIBRALTAR - THE ROCK

-
Image
Today was all about the Rock of Gibraltar - it didn't disappoint!  Fortified by a good breakfast, we headed up to the Rock, starting with the Moorish Castle. There were some other tourists exploring this and the other military installations,  but most of the activity was concentrated around the cable car terminus, with its panoramic views. The macaques and St Michael's cave with its sound and light show were also huge attractions for most.  To finish our Rock experience,  we came down the Mediterranean steps, enjoying sweeping views up and down the coast and an abundance of wildflowers.  Our distance total was not huge today,  but the elevation gained was great training for our upcoming long walk.  Heading for the Moorish Castle The Moorish Castle WWII tunnels, with demonstration of soldierly activities A path on the Rock The view northwards towards Spain Among the macaques Among the macaques The view north from the Rock - Bay of Gibraltar to the left, Spain's Mediterranean
Read more

GIBRALTAR

-
Image
After a great few days visiting family in England, we landed in Gibraltar this morning.  We now have a few rest days before starting our coast to coast walk across Spain on 25 April.  The Rock dominates the landscape here - we had amazing views from the plane window on landing.  We managed to cross the runway before a siren sounded and the runway was closed to foot traffic again to allow another plane to land.  The runway takes up the width of the peninsula.  We walked into town, surprised to see so many tourists and hearing lots of different accents. On the way we passed an enactment of soldiers participating in the Key ceremony, very colourful in their bright red jackets.  After checking into our quirky bed and breakfast, we had lunch in a British pub - fish and chips seemed appropriate.   Unfortunately the British weather followed us from England and we had to don wet weather gear for our afternoon of sightseeing.   Highlights included - fortifications in various states of repair, m
Read more