Day 15 - Castrojeriz to Boadilla del Camino

We started early again today. Up and out by 6.20am. The sky was still dark as we were getting ready and the view of the church from the kitchen window was stunning. 

The town seemed to go on forever, as it curved around the foot of the hill. We started to go down which was slightly depressing as we knew the first thing we needed to fo was to go over the hill in front of us. 

We could see the path winding up ahead of us. As we hadn't eaten, we snacked on things left in our bags before the ascent. The nice thing was it was short and sharp so putting our best foot forward, we just powered up as behind us the sun rose fully over Castrojeriz.

Then suddenly the Meseta was there in front of us, fields of wheat and barley as far as they eyes could see!

For what is possibly the third day running the first stop never appeared. Due at about 9km+ we had hoped to have breakfast there, but at about 6km there was a sign to the right saying it was 4km off the route! We carried on the main route as the next stop was at 11.5km. Luckily at about 8km there was a food truck so we stopped for drinks, boiled eggs and chocolate croissants! Quite a feast. Looking back we could see where we had come down from the first hill.

We continued on towards Itero de la Vega. Just before we reached Puente Fitero, we reached an old hostal. Run by Italians, it is in the old Pilgrim Hostal of San Nicholas. It is very simple, has no electricity, and sleeps only 8 pilgrims. The internal photos were taken from the same spot, so everything is in one room.

We then crossed the Puente Fitero and headed into Itero de la Vega and finally had a coffee. 

Leaving Itero de la Vega we thought we only had about 6k  to go, but it never quite works out that way! But then path was easy and other wasn't too hot as we had left early, so we finally reached Boadilla del Camino about 12.15pm. These towns are like something out of a western! You walk in and every there is closed and there isn't a soul about and you are waiting for someone to come flying through the saloon doors!!

Anyway nothing so dramatic! We reached thole hotel and despite check in not being available till 1pm, the rooms were ready. So we headed up, dropped our stuff and inevitably headed for a drink!!

The rooms are like a proper hotel in  the real world! Modern and clean, but very hot!! There is an albergue attached and there is a pool in the garden so we headed there after showers and in my case anyone snooze!

We are joining the pilgrims meal at 7pm tonight which will be fun!!

Today's route...