Day 17- Villafranca Montes de La Oca to Cardenuela

I L❤️VED the hiking today.  My feet are settled in, I had great energy, and I was in the moment nearly the entire day. One thing that I wanted to find in myself again is the sense of adventure and sponstaneousness. To be in the moment and soak it in. Today felt like I was in flight.

today was predicted to be hot again, so we took off for our 28km day early.  The first few steps out of our albergue started the 2.5 km climb!  The first 1.5 was steep, then it leveled out for about 25 meters and then started to climb again.  We made it to the top and continued on without a hesitation. I felt strong and energized. Plus we were walking through forests (pine).

And along these pine forest was some beautiful wild heather, which of course reminded me of my daughter and how her encouragement has helped me early in the Camino and how much I miss her.

 We visited along the way with a woman from Ireland who is on her second Camino. She was so helpful in clarifying what to expect on the mesetta (which starts after Burgos). I just couldn’t imagine that it could be hotter or harder than the Rioja region. She loved her time on the  mescetta and I was so glad to hear something positive about an area that I have felt would be an important part of  my Camino. It truly seems as if the Camino brings the right people into your walk when you need encouragement.

The forests ended and we were in sunflower fields again

Shared the road for quite a few kilometers with cars

Then of course we ended the day with another climb..

We made it to the top with energy to spare

  
We are staying at Santa Fe Albergue, a wonderful restaurant and albergue with a great hospitalera. She made dinner for us.  Dinner and room 16 €.  Two guests that she thought were  eating. didn’t come down, so Debby and I paid her for their meals.   She didn’t want to take it but we insisted; an apologized for their behavior.  She treated us to an evening toast to our Buen Camino.

Debby has been transporting her bag from albergue to albergue because of her foot.  The backpack didn’t arrive here, but is not lost. It will catch up with us in Burgos tomorrow where we will stay for a rest day.