We departed La Perala at daybreak.looking back at the unusual tower of Iglesia de San Salvador.Today’s walk was straight, flat and typical of the photo abovethe double path is perhaps a demonstration of indecisiveness of pilgrims as they walk.someone needs to give this section a trimnearly 5 miles of walking straight and alternating between the gravel path and the infrequently traveled pavementWalking into El Burgo Ranero, a favorite breakfast stop after 5 miles.Enjoying a delicious version of tostadas and homemade preserves.
After a nice break and breakfast, we reached out to our favorite taxi on the Camino, a Tesla driver. We noticed his vehicle being charged as we walked passed his house into Burgo del Ranero, so when our breakfast barkeep phoned him and requested a ride for us, we were elated and jumped aboard when he arrived 10 minutes later.
The ride from El Burgo Ranero took about 15 minutes to skip an 8 mile chunk of Camino that ended at Reliegos. We paid the driver 18€, the best recent investment we’ve made for improving the quality of Camino2023. And off we went to walk the remaining 4.5 miles into Mansilla de las Mulas.Back on the straight, flat path into Mansilla…Upon arriving in Mansilla de las Mulas, we called our hostess, who confirmed that check in time was still at 1:00. So we relaxed and had a hot chocolate and complimentary pound cake then walked into town to locate Casa Mansilla.
We had a nice positive experience at the Mansilla hot chocolate stop. A young Spaniard, Sergio, sitting at the adjacent table heard Jim struggling on the phone conversation with our apartment hostess, trying to clarify when we could checkin and the checkin process. Sergio offered and we accepted for him to take Jim’s phone and continue the conversation for us… his English was very good. He had his own consulting company and he gave us his card, offering to intervene if we needed help with the language on the remainder of the Camino. He lives in Valencia.
Once we nailed down our destination, we did some recon to get our bearings for the day.
Our apartment in Mansilla de las Mulas: Entrance and stairway on ground level and 4 balconies living room(2), kitchen and bedroom on second level.living room, bedroom and kitchen
While waiting to checkin to our apartment we perused the Tuesday fresh market, located across the street, to develop a strategy and menu for our main meal for the day.
As soon as we checked in, we assessed our kitchen capabilities and returned to the market and a nearby grocery to shop. The result was a delicious collection of vegetables prepared by our resident chef, Linda.
vegetable melange prepared by Linda for our main meal. Components purchased from fresh market in square when we arrived: potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, onions, zucchini, carrots, bacon. Accompanied by fresh bread and Ribera del Duero Reserva wine (100% Tempranillo)
The remainder of the day was spent napping, reading and blogging.
Jimandi 