Greatfully the rain stopped over night, however a mist hungover Carrion de los Condes as we left the albergue. The route out of town joined an old Roman road.
This was 17km of a straight gravel path, cutting through farmland and nothing else. No towns, water stops or points of interest. Just one straight endless road, when I say straight, I mean straight! No bends, only one slight incline and a very flat landscape.
On the horizon the clouds threatened rain constantly but thankfully it never fell. I had to get my earphones out to play some tunes to spur me on.
After a long, long walk, we arrived at Calzadilla de la Cueza. The town appeared closed and deserted. I tried numerous bars, but I learnt a new word, ‘cerrado’. (I managed to miss the only open one) Other pilgrims were in the same boat. We followed our very disappointed brethren out of town.
It was a long walk to the next village of Ledigos. The route followed the road providing a mundane trip to our lunch stop. After 22km it was a very welcome break and I wolfed down a Spanish ommelete.
It was a short walk to our albergue, where I sat in the garden with my fellow pilgrims relaxing. As this is an agricultural region, we are constantly pestered by flies. It is known in Spain as “El Reino de Los Moscas”. The kingdom of the flies.
There was a competition on who could kill more of the little pests. I think Dirk won!
Stu's Camino 