Leaving Boadilla behind cloudy sky aheadWe walked by the first of many sunflower fields …… and then a plowed field with only one (sunflower, that is).A short mile after Boadilla del Camino, we began walking along the Canal de Castilla.
The Canal de Castilla was built from 1753-1859, covering 207km. The canal was used for ships that were pulled by mules on tow paths. Today the canals are used to irrigate agricultural fields.
Fields to the left of us….Fields to the right of usOne of several valves observed along the canal…… to feed irrigation ducts and more modern irrigation systems allowing beautifully green fieldsthe Canal making a broad turnA tour boat that provides a 90 minute ride along the 2 miles between this morning’s starting point to the locks (in the background). Operates M-W, 12:30 and 18:30. (5€ round trip, 2€ for pilgrims)The locks, on the outskirts of FromistaLinda cautiously crossing the locksThe hazardous (for pilgrims) stretch of road going into Fromista.The pleasantly, picturesque path leading out of FromistaA familiar style of sculpture seen along the Camino path.This is one of the few, safe pathways for pilgrims to navigate through highway overpasses and turnabouts.Just after maneuvering through the autovia intersection, we rejoined the Camino gravel/dirt path. This section of path is mostly straight, along a relatively unbusy secondary road for nearly over 18 kms (12 miles).Heading into Población de CamposOur home for the rest of the day and tonight
We first stopped at Casa Rural Amanecer in 2014. We were carrying our large backpacks, we had just finished walking from Itero de la Vega (12 miles) and were dead tired.
Our host welcomed us, pointed to an inviting leather couch, helped us with removing our packs and as we sat down, handed us a glass of wine. To this day, we can still remember the relief we felt at that moment and the minutes that followed as we waited comfortably for our room to be ready,
Today, our third visit to this gem on the Camino, was a little different. We had only walked 6 miles and our daypacks were much lighter, but we were still a bit tired. It’s been 10 years! We were again met by our host and welcomed. After a brief moment for eyes to recognize familiar faces, we were embraced like a long lost friend and handed a glass of cool sangria as we were offered a seat on that same leather couch as we waited for our room to be ready.
Our favorite reception area of the Camino FrancesOur view of the reception desk from the cushy, leather couch.The back yard of Hotel AmanecerHomemade paella for lunch/dinner with local wineThe paella and simple salad (tomatoes and lettuce) dressed with white vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.A view of Amanecer from the back yard after Linda checked to see if our wash was dry. (see blowup below)Our wash, drying in the warm sun and dry air
We both slept for a couple of hours after having devoured our lunch and then took it easy until bedtime, having added another day of future memories for Camino 2024.
Jimandi 