Camino Day 13: Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz

 Another excellent communal meal last night, salad, paella, pudding, lots of bread and wine, in the company of two hiking friends from Edmonton in Canada.   Beer and wine every day is probably not what the doctor ordered, but beer is as cheap as mineral water here and the wine is included in the price of the meal!

An early night saw me awake before 5am and out of the door before 5.30.  It was chilli, but not too cold as I set off, across the meseta, towards breakfast.  I knew my first chance at finding somewhere open was 11km away in Hontanas.  As I walked it grew colder.  The wind picked up and I was very glad of the gloves I had shoved into a small pocket in my rucksack.  I retrieved them at the same time as my waterproof- I needed a windproof layer!  Despite the gloves and jacket, I was properly cold by the time I saw that the first Albergue in Hontanas was serving breakfasts.   

The first coffee and croissant didn’t touch the sides, so when Laura, from Australia who I had had supper with in San Juan de Ortega and to whom I had given Compeed, appeared from the dormitory to get her breakfast, I ordered more coffee and a second pastry. We chatted, she is planning a trip to the UK and Ireland when she is done here.  I gave her my contact details and told her she was welcome to stay at our house while exploring the South East and London.

From there it was a short hop to Castrojeriz, via the ruins of a convent that was being set up for a wedding.

The walking was easy again today with lovely views across the Meseta. I arrived far too early for the Albergue I have booked to be open - but that at least gives me the chance to update my blog and check emails/social media.

Looking forward to checking in, having a shower and then a lazy afternoon.