A great and comfortable rest. Quick to pack, its routine now, and downstairs for a good quality Spanish breakfast. Still the same as all the others but at a big dining table and maid service, with the owner joining us for a chat.
A regular day for travel. Plains blanketed in crops, grass for hay, and cattle. The plain again rises slowly then falls back down gradually. The track is a double dirt road that was pretty good for walking and only shared it with a single vehicle, a tractor which was pulling one of the dung spreading devices and which leaves paddocks with a pungent aroma. As we trekked on throughout the day, we were constantly delighted by the masses of wildflowers, particularly the prolific red poppies, but an abundance of daisy and other colours dappled amongst them as well. Throughout our days of walking we have delighted in the wildflowers, but today they are particularly pronounced. Which is why many pilgrims choose this time of year to walk this camino.
Met a Dutch pilgrim making far better time than us so unlikely to see him again. An insurance agent from a village outside Amsterdam. Three sons and a wife, house and dog. Rested under a bush with enormous thorns but which provided the only shade in that area. But as we departed we were joined by a flock of sheep, herder and four dogs. A lovely sight and nice to be up so close to a herd of sheep. First time I have seen spotted sheep, not all of them but most white, some black and a few white with black markings (dots). Then on again across more plain land until we reached Zamora.
The city sits on the uphill side of the river with fortress walls rising from the cliff face. It’s a long wall for a large town that has grown to city status. As usual the cathedral dominated the skyscape challenged only by a number of lesser churches in the same area. They all look amazing and imposing. This city though looks cleaner than the others. The stone looks fresher. It’s a steep climb to our accommodation, and Jenny has made a great selection. Our one bedroom apartment is quite spacious and overlooks one of many town squares. We are beside a church, across the road from the theatre, around the corner the supermarket and along most streets are coffee shops, bars and restaurants. (All in abundance!) But tonight we have our own kitchen so an option to eat in and maybe watch the coronation on Spanish TV ...
Made soup and it was so salty it was inedible. So had some bread and butter, Jenny having yoghurt. Then an early night and sleep was easy. Woke with a dry mouth around midnight (I assume from soup) and outside the population were very much enjoying the nightlife. There were mostly adults of all ages but also many children running around or lazing in the stroller. The theatre opposite was illuminated in changing colours. A strong family atmosphere. Sleep in tomorrow so our rest should be satiated.
One last noteworthy mention is a salute to 83 year old Sigmund who we met many days back. Although we don't see him anymore, we do keep in touch on WhatsApp. Having previously completed many consecutive 30km days of walking, today Sigmund covered 35km. He is fast closing the gap on Santiago. Very impressively covering the daily distances we might expect of a 30 year old. (Distances we have no desire to match!)
Looking out our window. People having fun in the street.
Getting there , some of the places looks very beautiful, happy heavenly birthday Polly ❤️