Day 18: Terradillos to Hernanillos - 26.9km

From my Mom:


Sue is always ready to go early!

Started out early today thanks to our next door neighbor, Mr. Rooster! There seems to be one in every city. Once again the weather was in our favor with a nice easterly wind. We went through two little towns and arrived at Sahugun around 10 for a nice leisurely breakfast. Steve was able to explain scrambled eggs with queso (cheese). Really good. Leaving the city of 130,000 was really lovely with an old bridge and trees lining the street. We've decided on the Camino you enter lots of the bigger cities from their ugly sides and exit through their pretty side

We were once again on the ancient Roman road for a good portion of the day. It's tough on the feet as its all rocks. You need to be particularly careful not to twist an ankle. I told Steve my legs were feeling a little heavy today and I wondered out loud....Could it be I slept wrong, could it be because of too much wine? Oh, I know...it's because I've walked over 275 miles...yeah, that makes sense!

We arrived at a little private Albergue and we have a nice room with our own bath. If you ever hike The Way, these are the best bang for your buck (if they have private rooms available) $33Euro/night - dinner menu looks great so we paid $10Euro/each for that which includes two courses, wine, dessert and bread. We still continue to tip everyone, even though it's not expected and they are extremely appreciative! Believe me, these people in these towns of 20 to 1000 work so hard for the Pilgrims. I know we are their livelihood, but we are also the livelihood for many in the states and the service is not the same.

We were so excited to walk into our room and see a screen on the window. It is the first one we've seen on the Camino and you have no idea how happy I was! Window open, no flies. Need to add that although Steve isn't bothered that much by the flies, they were a huge topic of dinner conversation last night and apparently, I'm not the only one who is bugged by them!

We walked all around this little town and were impressed by the lovely homes and spotless streets. We went searching for the supermarket and finally found a handwritten sign that said Tiende. When we went in a door the size of a hobbit, we were in someone's house and there was a room about 5ft by 10ft stocked with all kinds of groceries and various sundries. See picture below. We told everyone at the Albergue to be sure and check it out. Have never seen anything quite like it!

We both took hour long naps to rest our legs and feet.

Can't survive without flecho amarillo (yellow arrow)

Just returned from a delicious dinner and I'm so excited that I was served vegetable soup!! The owners are wonderful people. Met two nice kids from Germany, Mark who's 27 and Natalie who's 36. We thought they were a couple, but it turns out they've only known each other for about a week. They said they ate having a great time hiking together.

We were talking about our blog and raising money for CF and one of the guys at our table handed Steve some money to add to our cause. Unbelievable place out here.

Tomorrow's the biggest day yet with a trip of 27 miles. We are feeling strong and hoping for a good night's sleep, although right now I feel right at home listening to barking dogs!! And I'm not talking about yours, Gordon!

Besides missing the obvious out here, our kids and family, Bogey and friends... I don't miss my phone ringing, checking my email constantly, my watch (which I never leave home without)!, COOKING, my Chardonnay, my People magazine (OK, well I kinda miss this. It's part of my Thursday evening ritual.) Paying bills (thanks Sue) Laundry (Thanks Steve)

To really, truly embrace The Way is a magical and spiritual thing. It doesn't matter your beliefs, your politics, your religion....you just need to be a compassionate person, as many out here need our prayers....

I told our friends at dinner, if you get to Leon and don't see us, it means we're somewhere out on that awful Roman road!! Otherwise, come to the Parador in Leon on Friday for a great reunion!

Bedtime....as we are getting up at 4:45!

Buenos Noche
Sue and Steve



This picture proves early morning beauty

Ancient bridge with small church in the background

So excited about scrambled eggs with cheese!

Leaving Sahugun

Central del Camino

Beautiful cross

You can see me out there on the bridge!

The smallest supermarket on Earth

30 euro for the night

Sue really liked this sign

Some cities have nobody around

Notice our green towel drying on my pack

Crossing a main interstate