August 3, 2018
Day 15 was another hot but great day walking across the Meseta of Spain. But let me explain the photo first. This is a photo of a monastery—Hotel Real de Monasterio San Zoilo—where I am spending the night. This is definitely the best room I have had since I left home. But I do have one concern; I signed more forms than usual and I could not read them. Hopefully, I did not agree to be a monk. If you don’t see any activity tomorrow or the next day, call the U.S. State Department because I am pretty sure being a monk is not in my future.
I walked 17.46 miles from Boadilla del Camino to Carrion de Los Condes. Have I mentioned it is extremely hot on the Camino this time of year? Well, it was another hot day. But I am feeling great.
I started walking the day by myself. It wasn’t long before I was walking by an active Canal. It actually made me feel at home since I spent many days walking on the C&O Canal training for the Camino de Santiago.
I ran into Marco from Italy in the first town so we walked together for around half of today’s total distance. Marco is similar to me in that it was something he wanted to do versus trying to find himself. And like me, he tries to listen for lessons as he walks. He had a friend do it last year and that motivated him to do it this year.
You may recall that I ran into a couple—Cary and Linda—from Wisconsin on the second evening of my Camino. I never saw them again until today. I stopped for a water break with Marco when we saw Ole and Tonnie. While talking Cary and Linda sat down at a nearby table. So when I could I moved to their table to talk more. Believe it or not, it was the second in-depth conversation I have had with an American since I left the USA. I may have shared that they started their Camino in France. But I learned they did the Camino last year, too.
They recommended I read Walk in a Relaxed Manner. I told them about a recent book I read called Returning from Camino. They also recommended watching Six Ways to Santiago.
On my way to the monastery I stopped and bought six peaches. I ate four of them to tie me over to dinner. Instead of a shower I took a nice bath since there was a tub in my room and then hand washed the clothes I wore today. On my way to the center of town I stopped to sit in a park next to a river. It looked refreshing to play in the river as I watched kids and families.
I made it back to hear the Singing Nuns of the Santa Maria Albergue. Hymns were sung and three individuals sang something in their native language. It was a neat experience.
I also noticed there was some sort of a concert in the Cathedral next door so I went there. It was several individuals playing something on the guitar. I stayed for a couple songs and left to get dinner. I stopped at a random place and ordered a pizza that was described as “authentic.” Unfortunately, it was definitely a pre-made boxed pizza. And then I splurged and bought some ice cream as I walked back to the monastery. I figured I am burning enough calories on this walk that it wouldn’t hurt to have some ice cream.
Again, it was a great 15th day. And that means I must be around half way to Santiago since my plan is to walk there in 31 days. I am thankful I have not felt a need to use one of the four flex days I gave myself. I hope I can use at least one of those in Santiago and one in Finisterre.
Thanks for your support, encouragement, and prayers!
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See additional photos from August 3rd below:
Brief descriptions of the photos:
Here is part of the trail that was beside a canal.
Here is a view of the sunrise looking back on the trail from where I came. The canal is on the right.
Here is another view of the canal along part of today's trail.
Here is another view of the canal along part of today's trail.
Here is another view of the canal along part of today's trail.
Here is another view of the canal along part of today's trail.
Here is a marker pointing pilgrims in the direction toward Santiago.
Here are markers on the side of a building telling pilgrims they are on the Camino toward Santiago.
Here is a pilgrim statue in the village of Revenga de Campos.
Here is Marco walking on the Camino.
Here is a pilgrim sculpture along the Camino. Notice the baseball cap.
Here is another view of the trail, markers, and pilgrims walking on it.
Here is a view of the church as I approached the village of Villalcázar de Sirga.
Here is a black and white photo of me at a pilgrim sculpture.
Here is a pilgrim statue in the village of Carrión de los Condes.
Here is a marker in the sidewalk of Carrión de los Condes.
This is the former monastery--Real Monasterio San Zoilo--where I spent the night.
Here is an image inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image of the ceiling inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image of a tomb inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image of a statue inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is an image inside Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
Here is a church in the village of Carrión de los Condes.
Here is a church in the village of Carrión de los Condes.
This was a marker outside the Real Monasterio San Zoilo.
This is another view of the Real Monasterio San Zoilo.