Day 92-93 The meseta in Northern Spain

Day 92- Sun 24/8 - Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino 29km
A nice early start westward into the dawn. The sun rises behind me as the route takes me around the hillside on a small track, past ruins then down to the paved road which passes through the archway of the remnants of Convento de San Anton. I could have stayed at the Albergue here but I need to recharge my phone every night and there is no electricity. Soon into Castrojeriz which has the ruins of a castle standing guard atop the mountain behind it. A very long Main Street but signs of improved economic conditions which is good for the local people. The Camino means a lot to these small towns which were rapidly dying until the resurgence of pilgrimage and the subsequent demands for infrastructure. In the middle of town is a small private oasis where the door is always open to all comers, Hospital de Alma. A real place of quiet and rest. After Castrojeriz there is a steep climb to Alto de Mostalares followed by a steeper descent to the meseta which is stretched out ahead like a canvas of parchment. Quite a caravan of pilgrims are visible trekking their way westward. Past Saint Nicholas chapel and on into the province of Palencia. Now in the midday sun the road is glary but a gentle breeze keeps conditions reasonable. Across the Canal Pisuerga as the road, now broad and stoney climbs gradually to a peak where my destination of Boadilla is visible 4kms away. There I check in to one of 4 albergues and chill out. Another great day. Here I meet Alex, an Australian girl from Camberwell. Small world.

Day 93- Boadilla to Carrion de Los Condes - 26.5km
Another early morning start which I love. Most of the other 30+ pilgrims have already gone before 7am. The way takes a left turn after leaving the village past elevated irrigation channels leaking water, past tumbling haystacks and soon alongside the Canal de Castilla which I follow until crossing it and heading into Fromista. Time for a fresh OJ and croissant then out of town, across the highway and high speed train tracks before hitting the Senda de Peregrinos- a footpath built specially for pilgrims which runs beside the road. Straight but hilly and basically a good walking surface. After passing several old stone crosses and a couple of smaller villages I take a break at Villarmentero de Campos where 2 donkeys, several geese, chickens & a turkey wander amongst the tables and chairs while I drink my coffee. From here on its straight almost all the way, gently undulating, warm & sunny with enough breeze again to keep the temp reasonable for walking. I track on into Carrion de Los Condes in time for lunch. But first it's check in with the nuns at Esperitu Santo, do the washing then relax. Another great day in the open air. Here I meet another Aussie girl from Cairns.