Waking up in Spain is quite nice. The sun was shining today with glorious blue skies. In fact when we left our lovely Albergue, we had an Alpenglow on the church steeple. It was the first time I’ve seen the sun shine like that on something rather than a high mountain top.

This mornings walk was nice and flat! As we walked out of town, our Korean friends were having their morning briefing. I jumped in their circle listening intently, and not understanding a word. They all started pointing at me, laughing and before long, we were in a group picture with George-son too. They are hearing to Santiago also and ends up, their itinerary matches ours. We will all be in Santiago on the same day. What a celebration that will be!

Out of town, the Camino headed into this beautiful valley with more wild flowers, grain and oats or something that they grow to feed cattle. It lines the trail forever! A few miles down we ran into the impressive Ruins of San Anton, built in the 14th century.

It sheltered poor people, pilgrims and sick people with the illness of the San Anton’s fire until the end of the 18th century. In its Arch you can appreciate two cavities opposite the door. This is the place where they deposit bread and wine for pilgrims. Since the summer of 2002 it has been a private shelter for pilgrims. Now it is a Albergue that has an outdoor amphitheater that is frequented by grand singers and musicians who entertain under the starry nights.

After leaving the ruins, our path leveled out and directed us through the fields again. In the distance was the town of Castrojeriz, which I have deemed my favorite place in Spain to date. Just the pathway alone to the town receives high billing. But what truly is the crowing jewel is the Castle.

Castrojeriz runs down from the top of the mountain and is close to 2,000 years old. The castle sits upon a mountain, which gives the area the common name of Castro. Its first construction dates from the 9th century. There are three distinct parts of it: the first 9th century tower above roman basement, the 11th century tower and the keep and advanced defenses from the 14th. The adaptation for the artillery was done in the 16th century.

As we walked closer, it reminded me of Jerusalem, sitting on top of a hill overlooking the city. Or King David’s palace, or maybe Masada, on top of a mountain protecting the people from intruders and invaders. Whatever it may be, it must have been quite the fortress in its day!

Let’s be real! I am not a Queen or I’d be carried to Santiago! And that’s not happening so George and I waltzed out of town. The next big bit of business was our 12% grade climb up 1050 meters. I’m thinking, 3000’ climb? There’s no way I would’ve missed that in the map? I could see the trail from quite a long distance, and anyway you slice it, we had a climb.

Once atop the biggest pass of the day, was an outstanding view of the valley below. We took a short break and met another couple, Sicily and Danny. They were from England making their way to Santiago. Sicily had tweaked her knee and had it wrapped with gauze. George and I helped with a little First Aid. I had a patella wrap that I wasn’t using and thought, this could do the trick. She was super grateful and continued on with a new improved knee wrap.

The rest of the day was fairly straight forward, a crazy downhill and then valleys and plains that paved our way. We made a pit stop at the last Albergue and had a beer and potato chips. There we saw Sicily. She was new and improved and quite happy with her wrap. Tears of joy as she thanked us for the little piece of neoprene. You are so welcome, my little Pilgrim.

Back on the trail and finishing strong, we made it to Boadilla. It is a very tiny village but has hoards of Pilgrims here. As we entered the square, we saw the big church with no less than eight stork nests! Both Momma’s and Daddy’s were attending their baby’s, flying off and bringing back worms and such. I was mesmerized with the size of their nests.

We checked in and made our way to our room. Once I opened the window, I was face to face with two of the Stork Nests. One of the parents had just returned and started dancing and making a loud squawk. The little storks were flapping their wings and terribly excited for their parents return. Pretty sweet stuff we experienced here on the Camino.

Dinner was a Pilgrims Meal with 50 others. It was loud, fun and the food was pretty good. We sat with people from Brazil, Italy, Korea and US. It was a great time and George’s first ever Pilgrims Meal. Quite the day.

We are closing in on our half way point, and walking the Meseta. Some Pilgrims skip this section as it can be long and not their cup of tea. I think I’m speaking for both George and I here. This is a gorgeous place and each corner reveals something new and more interesting. We are definitely stronger than when we started and now comes the challenge. Can we find that inner peace? Can we take ourselves away from the noise, the fear and the worry of the day, and just be. Be in the present, sit with what’s happening right now and thinking, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I’m embracing that as we get up every morning and walk another 35,000-40,000 steps a day. So now, I only need to rest in His ways and He will do the rest.