Day 14: Hornillos to Castrojeriz - 20.2km

From my Mom:

11th Century St. Anthony Monastery 

Today we began hiking at 6:30 to beat the heat and it was really a nice path. The first day and a half of the Meseta has actually been very peaceful and beautiful. Looking to our right at one point was a gorgeous row of aspen trees and lots of greenery. Perhaps the next six days won't be so pretty, but as of now our preconceived idea of the land was incorrect. The sky was filled with stars when we left and Steve saw his second shooting star of the trip. We stopped for breakfast along the way and arrived in town around 11. Really early and beat the heat.

I've been thinking about a childhood friend for the last couple of days because his name was Mike Castrojen (similar to the name of the town we're in) and he passed away a long time ago at a very young age. I haven't thought about his family for years, but today along The Way I said some prayers for all of them. He was a great friend! Another Camino moment when your mind is empty of stress.

When we arrived they didn't have our reservation (could it have anything to do with Steve's Spanish on the phone?). We were able to find a great little place, take our showers and do our laundry.

I know I won't remember many things about this journey so today I want to impart some knowledge about things you MUST bring on the Camino.  Small packets of Tide, a headlamp (especially if you want to get an early start), gel for your feet (a must), Glide gel (especially if you have fat thighs like I do!), hair conditioner (they don't have it except in really nice hotels), Lancôme sunscreen with tint (takes care if two items in one bottle.. I love it). This is aside from the obvious. I'll add to the list as absolute necessities pop into my head.

The flies continue to bug me, and even Steve admitted they bugged him a little today, too. I'm thinking of getting some netting to cover my face. Wouldn't that look great in pictures?

I've noticed that of our many friends out here, no one cares about your wrinkled clothes, your callouses, your make-up less face, your extremely limited wardrobe, your jewelry less body ... they look at you, the person ... very refreshing in today's world of materialism.

Started walking around town and ran into Kelly, our friend from DC. Ended up going for a coca-cola light and 4 hours later we've returned to our hotel. Met some incredible people from all walks of life. Spent most of the time with Deco from Ireland and then Egon from Ireland joined us also. Two very nice people. Deco had an amazing story about a gambling addiction that led to 13 months in prison. Just amazing stuff out here.  He had some very funny stories to share. One in particular. The friend he's traveling with got a blister on the train ride before he even started the Canino. We all had a good laugh at that. Egon's a nice man who listens intently and throws in some wisdom every now and then. A true pleasure to meet them both.

Tomorrow is supposed to be incredibly warm (as was today) so we plan an early departure, hopefully by six at the latest.

Heard of a family of four today who hike the Camino with the dad pulling a four and eight year old in a type of rickshaw with the mom carrying the backpack for the entire family. The kids get out and hike for awhile and then take a nap in the rickshaw. Can you imagine?  They're from Arizona and apparently in tremendous shape. No kidding!!

We continue to eat and drink well every night (we need those extra calories, right?)

Continue to love the majority of the Spanish people, especially in the small towns. It's amazing what a simple smile can do.

Another must on the Camino. No matter what all the books say, you need a phone and you definitely need the app Itranslate. (thanks Kel) Irreplaceable!

Long day tomorrow so off to bed.

Buenos noche

Sue and (as he now thinks of himself, Estaban)

The Lord guides us on our way

Early start today

Sleepy town where we headed down to breakfast

Beautiful home in the middle of nowhere

Old Spanish lady on an early morning hike

9th Century castle atop a hill in Castrojeriz

The majority of doors are beautifully polished

Delicious ham and bread for lunch

Our friends, Deco and Paul

Milla served us dinner and drinks tonight