I have to say that last night was the best night of sleep I’ve had since Orisson’s. Don’t ask me why, but I’m speculating that it has something to do with climbing mountains or bell towers and sleeping in my own little bed. Whatever contributed to the extra special slumber is still up for grabs. But I’m just happy to have slept like a queen, in her castle.

Breakfast was a full-on meal for high end elites. Eggs were fashioned in the kitchen, fruit, toast, pastries with meats and cheese, hmm, hmm good. George even partook in Kelloggs Cocoa Krispies. Who would’ve thought there would be such a feast for a mere $19. All around, it was quite the spread.

Afterwards, we headed towards the rolling hills of Spain, greener grasses, fields of wheat and cereal, the patchwork quilt of a country. It is so manicured, like some machine must groom it daily, picking and tweezing each extra follicle or blade of grass that may be out of place. It is too hard to put words to this lush, vast landscape. It’s something you must witness to truly appreciate.

We had six towns to conquer with numerous hills and valleys to pass through. This morning we saw a Hot Air Balloon floating above our heads. The morning was brisk and it helped us move a bit faster. Our first town was up the hill from Santo Domingo to Granon. It was small but had a cute Mobile Van that was outfitted for Pilgrims.

Fruit Juices, Coffee, and Kombucha. Somehow I convinced George to give Kombucha a try. Not his typical go-to drink but thought it would calm his belly and offer some probiotics. And being that they had Mango Flavored, it was an easy sell. We sat and I watched as he took his first drink. He actually liked it! As I was finishing, I reached in my skirt pocket and found, oh no, the super special key from our Convent last night. Oh crap, that’s a big deal and a very costly mistake. No Gold Star for me!

I thought, well I’ll take a taxi back to the Hotel, drop it off and head back up to meet my gang of COP’s. I walked over with my head hung low, and told the guy who ran the drink van, Miguel, about my dilemma. He said, “no problem, I’m planning on heading that way in five minutes!” You got to be kidding me? Nope, and that is how the Camino provides. Problem solved and no taxi required.

There is an old saying that whatever you need, you can always find it. Just ask. Here in Spain, it’s absolutely no different. We all picked up our packs and scurried down the path. What a blessing. The rest of the morning was rolling ups and downs, through quaint little towns with lots of Pilgrims. The Koreans are still around us and I’m really warming up to them. We don’t speak the same language but somehow, someway we communicate. There was a huge sign, some 20-25’ tall of the entire region from Santo Domingo to Santiago. We all got our picture and as the Koreans were taking their picture, they asked me and George to join them. We all jumped in and who knows where that picture will end up. Some poster in Seuol, Korea for tourism to Spain. That’s the beauty of the internet.

We moseyed on down the trail and continued up and over so many beautiful ribbons of roads. This day was endless greens, so many shades that I’ve never seen.

We talked with a friend of ours, who walked the Camino Frances years ago in August and September. He was not impressed with its beauty. I’m thinking, what happened? When I saw pictures of the same route, it was brown, tan and burnt yellow. Now I understand. It has everything to do with the time of the year. Late Spring, as far as I’m concerned is really the best time to witness the beauty of these hillsides. We have new growth, older growth, spring flowers, and even some sprinkling of snow on the mountaintops. There are clouds with some rain, but not much, just enough to give you contrast in the sky. I may be bias but I’m saying if you want to see Spain in all its glory, you just might plan to visit now.

We walked through one last town, Viloria which didn’t have much in Cafes or Take-Away. So we kept going and started another descent, only to climb again. It wasn’t anything to steep, just enough to make you wonder, why do we have the countless ups and downs today? As I crested the hill, I saw the lovely sight of Villamayor de Rio, and our lunch stop. Thank goodness because if I didn’t stop to feed my crew, they may have voted me off the island!

I saved a table and waited for the Union Workers to arrive. Mel, Moody and George were ready to take their much earned lunch break. I headed in to scope out the place and kept seeing these plates coming out of the kitchen. No menu but when you see food, no menu is required. I sauntered up to the counter and asked for the Menu of the Dia with Chicken, and two beers please. Then I headed outside and waited. Out came the best plate of food I’ve seen in awhile. George and I devoured every morsel of Chicken, Salad and French Fry on the platter. That hit the spot!

George headed off first while I covered my pack. The clouds were looming and it seemed that rain was heading our way. We walked super fast, over three miles an hour and caught George as we were entering our final stop for the night.

Belorado seems like a small village and our Albergue is on the wee-end of town. I pulled out Google and she said I was 400 meters from our bed. Bravo. There was the cutest place we passed that had every flag from all nations lining the driveway. I thought, what a grand idea. And kept going.

Then Google did her thing and said, you have arrived. Arrived where? There’s nothing here but a field and a hillside. I recentered and she had me making a drastic u-turn and heading up this long driveway. Oh goodness, here we go again. The Union Workers were getting a bit perturbed with their Supervisor but much to their delight, we arrived at the Albergue with all the flags. Thank goodness. A bit of a convoluted way of getting here but we are home for the night.

This will be M&M’s first experience sleeping with other Pilgrims in Bunk Beds. Lucky for Moody, Mel requested the top bunk. No fuss there. George and I scored a private room with three twin beds and a private bath. Privileges for sleeping with the Superintendent. Slight promotion I gave myself, but after this passed week, I’m in need of a proper title. Not just “Boss Lady.”

We are closing in on Burgos, the ending spot for M&M. Two more day and they will have completed their 130 mile section. You really never know someone or a couple until you have walked through fire together. We’ve had some long mileage days, a little bit of rain, some intense heat, meal snafus, hotel accommodations gone array, but yet, M&M keep following us from one town to the next. They have been a great addition to our journey and being like-minded in their faith, it has been a joy having them. In fact, if I play my cards right, there’s a chance they may consider another “Walk.” But for now, we are grateful having them hang out with us for the next couple of days. Thanks so much for sharing this adventure with us, and for you two, loving and doing you!