A road more travelled... and that made all the difference

This morning at 6:45, not a creature was stirring. "That's odd," I thought, "the sign said we need to be out at 8." Fifteen minutes later, all was still quiet in the darkness. Certain the pilgrims would soon get up en masse, I stealthfully climbed down from the top bunk and grabbed my bag. When I left just after 7:30 there was still no movement. I seem to have missed another memo, but I can't imagine there's another time change!

For the third day in a row after walking only a short while, the bitter cold wind was too much and I had to don the poncho. Again today, I enjoyed the painted sky and moon as I walked. I turned to say goodbye to the city and saw the sunrise.

Looking back to Fromista

Today's walk was along the highway. In the first town I met my Camino friend from Columbus. When we got to the next town, the trail split. He choose the scenic route along the river. My feet and hips petitioned me to stay along the highway so as to not add another 1-2K to today's walk. I obliged.

Today's route.

I arrived in Carrion de los Condes just after noon, which seems rather early, but if I wanted to go on, that would have been committing to a 17k walk to the next town, which was clearly not happening. Any amount of walking I saved taking the shorter route was negated by wandering the city. It's a nice size town and it was a gorgeous day.

I am in a private, religious albergue. They gave me a miraculous medal when I checked in. I chuckled and showed the nun the one I've been wearing the entire trip. So, now I have one on my backpack, joining the ever-growing collection. One wonderful thing about this room is that there are no bunk beds! It was a magnificent site to behold.

I met up with my friend again, who was staying at a different albergue. He said the German group was cooking so we went to see if there was enough for another pilgrim. The woman said she was setting an 8th place for an unknown guest and I happily joined them. After dinner, we went next door where we heard there was mass. We sat in the empty church and just before 7, a local told us we were in the wrong church. We ran - well, hobbled really - a few streets away.

In total, I walked a mere 19k and have a 23k journey tomorrow. I hear that after tomorrow I will be halfway to Santiago. It should be true, given that I am halfway through my time here. Though the signs and guidebooks never seem to match.

This portion of the Camino is brought to you by Coke.