Day 11 - 24km - Santo Domingo to Belorado

We set out from Santo Domingo out our usual time passing the cathedral and monastery. Big impressive buildings dating back to the 12th century! As we walked through the streets and headed towards the country we were joined by three Canadians, Ken, Duncan and James. They are nice chaps but it is too early for this volume. At 7am I need to walk in peace for at least an hour or two coffees whichever comes first!! We walked out of town and onto the tracks of the Camino.

We lost the Canadians and walked on for about an hour until we met John from the UK for the first time. We had a good chat and he is having to leave in a few days to get back home ready for the arrival of his puppy! He told us he had whittled all the names down to 3 names - poppy, bayley (Niks dogs names) or Marley! What a spooky coincidence!!

The path is dull today. The rolling hills have flattened a bit and the track is an old farm track. After 6.5km we came across a small food truck sat in a beautiful little copse surrounded by pilgrims. A coffee, a sandwich or toast, and an orange juice for 3.5euro. Go on then. We sat and chatted. Encyclopedia Rachel added John to the WhatsApp group of pilgrims.

Onwards.

Our next pilgrim was a early 20s abusive Frenchman. Loud and brash (but all in good humour) he proceeded to destroy history and all public relations by insisting the french beat England at everything. He also sang all the national anthems from the six Nations. Then he ran off. Yup. 12km in and he RAN off.

We continued on until around the 19km mark where we stopped at cafe Leon. Lunchtime. The place was an unassuming cafe, but inside they had all manner of chorizos for sandwichs. Our pilgrim friend Amy was there and she bought a selection of items for a pilgrim platter this afternoon.

The last 5km as always were a struggle, but we made it the rest of the walk (and push ups) into Belorado. As with all towns there is a huge church so we stopped there for a moment before checking into the albergue. It's a lovely old building full of character and it has a pool!! Woohoo!! I haven't carried my swim shorts 200miles in vain. Unfortunately it was FREEZING so a foot dip was all that was managed!! But it still helped relax the feet.

The afternoons relax session was further hampered by cold showers. Cold water is not our friends. I daydreamed of the tub back home before joining a group for Amy's platter of cured meats, cheese, bread and local honey with wine. It was lovely sat in the sun.

Time to get organised and go for dinner before we continue tomorrow.

Today felt very flat. The landscape was uninspiring and the walk long (and sore for Nik). Fortunately the other pilgrims help keep the spirit up. Let's hope tomorrow the walk adds something different!

We are getting closer pilgrims, let's keep going.