Today I trekked 17.12 mile to the small village of Calzada Del Cota, population of about 200. It is just north of the bigger town of Sahagun. I was tempted to stay in Sahagun because the are having their Running of the Bulls this weekend. This event is not just limited to Pamplona as it has become a tourist attraction in many cities throughout Spain.

Today started out a little different because we were in a small village with only one hostel and one motel, so there were very few pilgrims on the Camino in the morning. 
The weather was the same hot ninety degree conditions we have had the last few days. The terrain was all flat and mostly wheat fields as far as you could see. The Camino also crossed several rivers with beautiful stone bridges that are hundreds of years old. There are remains of old churches, homes, and other buildings just about everywhere. There is just so much history on the Camino it’s almost hard to comprehend.
We have traveled through so many small villages that the names and appearance run together. It’s funny when you talk to other pilgrims about a place and everyone seems to forget the exact name, time, and place. 
It seems that the Day Walkers were the first to leave as they have to have their bags ready for pickup early in the morning. Most that have their hotels pre-booked only go 10-13 miles. It is becoming more obvious too by looking at the clothing, and how the pilgrims are walking or limping, whether they are Day Walkers or regular backpack carrying pilgrims. 
The pilgrims that stay in the hostels are not necessarily poorer because I have talked to many that are well off but want to truly experience the Camino. And then sometimes, like today, a hostel is the only choice for lodging.
Today we came to the fork in the Camino where we either took the longer more scenic route, and a short quarter of a mile to this hostel, or another six miles on the shorter route to a hostel. We decided that the hostel further away might be full and then we’d have to continue further.
As it turns out this hostel is a municipal hostel that is run by volunteers. It is actually free and it’s up to you to make a donation. That was lucky for me because they don’t take credit cards and I only had thirty euros left for lodging and diner. There is only one restaurant in town and it turned out to be a nice place with good food, and with wine of course. It was twenty euros for two of us. We went with three others from the hostel and it was always nice to go with other pilgrims, and this time they were all Americans.
There is no wifi at the hostel, and the only wifi is at the city park, courtesy of the city. Interesting to see everyone on the park benches working their phones.
Tomorrow we will double back the quarter mile and take the shorter recommend route. It is suppose to be cooler too, but it will be a good day on the Camino anyway!
Best wishes,

Ted

The Camino in bloom

The Camino 

One of many old churches, houses, and monasteries on the Camino 

Another bridge 

A pilgrim with so many blisters she turned to her flip flops. She was a German woman walking with Monica.

Our hostel. It was actual very nice and was better inside than it looks.