Day 15. Wednesday 9th. May
22km 345 up 290 down. Mild 17. 6.

Easy days walk today steep sections were very short. Woke early to a cornet call at 6:00. Not much breakfast offered so on the road before 7:00. Second sunrise really don’t want to make this a habit. I feel “lazy pilgrim “ about to slightly raise her slothful head. Last nights albergue was cold and very grubby. 6E for the bed and donativo for dinner. Pepe unkempt older man was the sole hospiteliero and the food ensalata followed by paella and small yoghurt was ok. Two north Americans not together kicked up a big fuss about needing a blanket as they had no sleeping bag. The large hangry man Canadian said he had carried a bag last time and never used it. Anyway the vibe was quiet and bad tempered. Four blankets were produced. Jean got one. Pepe had his favourites.

Morning arrived the breakfast consisted of tea or coffee. Small dry rectangles of packaged cake. Then we had to make our donativo to get our pilgrim passport back. More angst as angry man only gave 10E. All in all we left quickly chalking it all up to life’s rich tapestry.

We headed off in early morn to breakfast 3.5 km up the road at truck stop. Unlike the convention that truckers no the best coffee places this did not live up to expectation. So on a further 12-13 km (Ken was right through woods and managed tree blocks, the cuckoos are back) to small village San Juan de Ortega with graffiti on the outskirts suggesting it was to be avoided like the plague. They don’t like pilgrims they just want your money. Another 3/10 coffee and on our way to our final destination still no lunch.

Arrived here to clean rooms and a welcome sitting area outside on green grass. Albergue de Perigrino gives us all we need and everyone is smiling and chatting. Got in at 1:45 and I raced off to the panaderia and bought 20E of food which will last us 24 hours.

More importantly if we don’t eat and drink it we will have to give it away or carry it. I don’t know which is the most disturbing thought.

Saw again Daniel and his Grandmother and the German/Mexican couple who were both in good spirits.