The day started gloriously in the confines of my tiny tent, and despite the fact I was wide awake, I lie there well after my usual 8am albergue kick out time, because I could.
The piece of land we camped on was looked after by a guy who runs the nearby albergue. He was so cool about it, in spite of the fact we were not paying to stay in his place. He wouldn’t accept money, but I made a point of having a large breakfast in his cafe.
I had a virtual day off today. I only walked 9km (22km less than yesterday) and despite this, I am very tired tonight. I managed to catch the French Open tennis final, but left the bar deflated after fellow Brit, Andy Murray, lost to superman.
Due to the supermarket being shut on a Sunday, I had the pilgrim meal option tonight in a local bar. I have decided that the cuisine is my least favourite thing about Spain.
I generally avoid fried food, or very oily, but Spanish food is almost always like this. On a huge menu of choices, every main came with fries, with no alternative option. I ended up with a chicken breast and fries that were literally swimming in cold oil.
I do like some of the tapas, when not dripping in oil, and buying your own food and preparing it is easy, as many albergues have kitchens.
I am in a very spacious albergue municipal, this one in the village of Castrojeriz. The owner is great, just a shame I cannot speak more to him beyond the basics. It’s only 8pm, the hot sun is still blazing through the window, but I am wiped out. No podcast for me tonight.
Feet: Same as really, blister annoyances, but no issues with shins.
Food: Coffee ×2, toast, marmalade, banana, apple, crisps, curry noodles, 2 x canas (small beers), biscuits, mixed salad, more bread, plate of cold oil with a floating chicken breast & soggy fries, ice cream.
Feeling: Excited, as I will potentially go beyond the furthest point that I previous made on the camino. Oh, and did I mention how tired I was?