I forgot to report yesterday about an encounter with sheep and a shepherd. We were walking up a long hill and kind of looking down, intent on getting to the top. All of a sudden we heard the tinkling of little bells, looked up, and over the hill came a older shepherd with his flock of sheep following him. He had a rugged look - tanned and worn from years in the sun. Three sheep dogs were helping him keep the sheep in line. The sheep were making all kinds of sheep noises and wanting to stop to eat, but the dogs were insistent on keeping them moving. I got a couple of good pictures, but I do think the sight is imbedded in my mind. Don't think I have seen such a sight since we were in Isreal back in 1983. What a wonderful reminder of our own personal loving Shepherd who cares for us.
Last night we went to a Vespers Sercice at the church attached to the Albergue where we were staying. This one was lead by the nuns who serve there. One was at the organ and the rest were up front - about 5 on each side facing each other. They sang hymns and tunes we were not familiar with and in a different language, but it was still peaceful and worshipful. Quite a few Pilgrims were there with us, as well as several local worshippers. Grateful for these opportunities to get a glimpse of church life in Spain.
We went for dinner afterwards. We have needed to sit inside to eat...it has been cool from about 6:00 pm until about 10:00 am this week. Then it warms up nicely for the middle of the day. We have used just about everything we brought with us in our backpacks and feel pretty good about that.
Some have asked about the food...it is definitely NOT Mexican. We are finding it to be simple but tasty. If you order beef, pork, or chicken you are likely to get 4 to 5 thin slices of the meat...seasoned and pan fried yet still juicy (not dry). Often times French fries come with the meat (no beans or rice so far). Sometimes it is only the meat. They also serve a lot of fish...usually with head, tail, and bones attached. They have good salads and dressing and fresh fruit is plentiful...tho the other night Andy ordered fruit for dessert and he got canned fruit cocktail. Me? I am sticking to the ice cream or the pastry options! Their spaghetti and pizza is pretty good and plentiful as well.
We are not suffering on the food front....we are eating our way through the small towns and villages of Spain. I had hoped to loose weight, but I am hungry all the time so I am not sure weight loss is in the cards.
We slept well last night and were up around 5:30...guess that's what happens when it is lights out at 10:00 - just like at church camp back in the day. We took off at about 6:30 and made our way way through Santo Domingo and into the countryside. It was overcast most of the morning and kind of dark. We walked past lots of fields of sunflowers today. It's the end of the season so the yellow flowers are dying and the seed heads are drooping under the weight of the seeds. They look kind of sad.
Lots of farmers were out in the fields plowing. In the last few days we have been walking through an area that is know for pottery - the soil is reddish like terra cotta...with lots of rocks in the poor soil. Now the soil is black and has little rock. They have baskets on the back of their tractors that catch the rocks as they plow up the soil. Hope to get a picture of one up close. We have been amazed at the size of their hay bales...just huge. The bales are stacked together - as big as barns. They have a special truck that collects them and hauls them to the sight. We saw one in action this morning and it was amazing. I cannot adequately describe it but I will get a picture posted at some time along the way.
There are a lot of family gardens - in cities as well as on the farms. We do not recognize many of the things planted...but they sure look healthy. Yesterday we saw several farms that had their own aqueduct systems.
Today we passed from the LaRioja region into the Castilla y Leon region....one of the biggest in Spain. We will be in this region, going through 3 provinces over the next couple of weeks.
Generally the walk was good today...just three long uphill climbs...another 1000 feet....not steep, just seemingly endless when you are looking for the next town and its just a long hill. We arrived here in Bolorado around 11:45. The first option for overnight at the edge of town was way tooooo commercial. Big signs, strings of plastic triangle flags, arrows...fairly new but just too tacky. We got into town and stopped at a small place named Albergue Caminante that also looked new...only 11 bunk beds, nice laundry facilities, and more than adequate sinks, showers, and toilets which were all new. It has a nice enclosed back yard and great WiFi. what more could you ask for? The lady and her son who run it could understand some English, but speak no English. Somehow we managed and they have been quite friendly and helpful. We were the first ones to sign in. Within 45 minutes the place was bustling and full. One family with 2 young teenage girls is from Australia.
I found two churches in town. One has a huge belfry with four very big stork nests...years old I'm told. No storks to be seen...don't know what time of the year is their nesting season. Do you? Right behind the church are some rugged stone cliffs that have both ancient and modern cliff dwellings. You can tell the new ones...they have glass windows! The other church is in the town square which is also ancient and modern. The church is very big for such a small town. There is a full grocery store, a couple of restaurants, a hotel and the info center, as well as some city office buildings. It's a nicely done, weaving of the old and new. I ran in to a couple of children and asked if I could take their pictures...they both said yes. The 8 year old girl gave me a cute pose and the 7 year old boy took off running right after - I think he was excited to be asked and couldn't wait to tell someone.
This is getting too long. Better stop for now and get ready for supper. Wonder what it will be tonight? Will the menu be different in this new region? All for now...
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This pretty little church welcomed us into the delightful little town of Belorado. Several stork nests in the belfry.
Beautiful inside as well. The 16th century Church of Santa Maria. It is built up against the limestone cliffs.
The ancient cave dwellings, once home to hermits.
The church on the town square.
I hiked up the hill behind the church...and was treated to a pretty view of the town.
This is the Albergue where we stayed...fairly new and quite nice..El Caminante.
2 comments:
Glad to hear about the pizza and spaghetti, my favorite! I will be good to go on the way...hopefully next year :)
The storks were busy on their nest when we were there in April and May. As you talk about the long steep hills it brings back memories. Thank you! God bless!
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