Wednesday, June 1, Day 10 on the Camino

Today we made it to Santo Domingo de la Calzada and trekked 14.43 miles.

It was a fairly short day, leaving about 7:30 AM and getting there about 1:30 PM. We are staying at one of only two hostels in town. I got into town ahead of most the pilgrims hoping to have the potion of a private three or four bed room. The first hostel had a three bed room, but entry was through another four bed room and it didn’t have a private bath. It wasn’t the cleanest appearing either. I guess we have been lucky and have high expectations. I’d better lower them on the Camino.

The second hostel was new, spotless, and fairly nice, but all 200 plus beds are dormitory style. Eight, ten, twelve, twenty beds per dorm. The only other choice would have been to continue to the next smaller village about six mikes away that only had one hostel. We were told that if they were out of beds you’d have to sleep on the floor. I don’t know if that was a joke or a sales ploy by the clerk at this hostel? The next town was another two miles away and again only had one hostel. So if either of the two were full we’d be out of luck. So, here we are!

Most of the Camino was fairly level with a few short uphills. Temperatures were perfect today. Clear skies and temps in the low sixties. Scenery was stunning as most of the journey had been.

Trekked with a few people I have met since starting and a few new ones too. Conversations are usually interesting and sometimes difficult with all the languages spoken on the Camino. Thankfully, English seems to be the most common spoken.

We went to diner a few doors down from hostel since we didn’t see many restaurants walking through the street to here. Food was very fair and a bit expensive. After diner I walked a few blocks and found a thriving business area in the new part of town. It was loaded with what appeared to be good restaurants with very reasonable prices. I usually do, but I stupidly didn’t ask the desk clerk here where the good restaurants were.

I am hurrying to get this blog out as lights, and wifi, goes out at ten. It’s a bit restrictive but a good policy with so many people trying to get to sleep for the next day on the Camino.

Tomorrow will be a similar decision as today because the town as the next destination is about fourteen miles and has only one hostel. The next town is five miles further and only has one hostel. We will play it by ear but I am hoping we can trek to the second village?

Best wishes to all,

Ted

The Camino

High school teacher trying to keep up with some of the 42 students that are walking the Camino de Santiago for a five day section. I walked with him about a mile and had a nice conversation. They are all staying at our hostel like the pilgrims of old. Thank goodness they are on another floor.