It was raining when we woke, so we put on our rain gear and began the mile long walk across Castrojeriz. Within minutes the rain stopped, remaining in Castrojeriz, but not following us as we walked out of town and westbound. The Camino joined the former Roman road leading to a Roman causeway that crossed what was once a lake/swamp.Linda walking on the causeway, hard to see the Roman stone structure today, due to the overgrowth.The causeway revealed as it approached the ruins of the Roman bridge.Linda reaching the end of the 2000 year old Roman structure still functioning today.
When it became apparent that the rain was behind us, we removed the rain-gear.
We continued our walk through the valley until reaching the base of Alto de Mostelares.We began the steep climb up Alto de Mostelares.It was a hard climb. Adding to what was already a difficult task, hoards of mosquitoes began swarming around us, requiring constant swatting and waving our arms to try, unsuccessfully, to drive the little suckers away. This continued all the way to the top.Head down, one foot in front of the other.Zoom (3x) of Castrojeritz left behind as we climbed higher.Linda teaching the top and ready for a brief rest, among still persistent mosquitoes.On our way again on top of Alto de Mostelares.Only a few hundred yards later, we reached the opposite side of Alto de Mostelares and the expansive valley below.The path down was thankfully, paved, but reaching a very steep 18 degree slope. Extreme caution was necessary to avoid a Camino ending knee injury.As we carefully descended an occasional look ahead revealed the path waiting for us once we reached the bottom.The path wove its way through the fields. Thankfully it was still early in the day and a breeze and cloud cover made the lack of trees (shade) a non-problem.Sometimes we forget to look back to get inspiration from the distance already traveled during the walk.At the 6 mile mark we stopped at the San Nicolas Chapel, a primitive albergue run by an Italian Confraternity. It has restroom facilities and has the practice of washing the feet of pilgrims who stay overnight.We next crossed the Rio Pisuerga, originally built in the 11th century to unify Burgos and Palencia provinces.We continued into the province of Palencia and on to our stop in Itero de Vega.Walking along the Rio Pisuerga and on into Itero de Vega.
We left Castrojeritz at 6:30 this morning to miss the forecasted 90F heat. That put us in Itero de Vega at 10:15. Not only did the high temperature not occur, but we arrived 2hr 45 minutes early for our checkin time of 1:00. So much for the best layed plans…
We perched in the Albergue courtyard, first to have breakfast, then patiently until getting an early checkin of 12:30! Jim’s liter of beer (Radler) also helped.A late afternoon hail storm interrupted our naps. Otherwise, we chilled, read and blogged until the 7:00 pilgrim dinner.
Tonight’s pilgrim dinner was served family style and included, mixed salad, pasta carbonara, vegetable soup, wine and yogurt.
We had interesting conversations with pilgrims from France, Quebec, Denmark, Germany and the US.
Another culinary experience to chalk up for Camino2025.
LikeLoading...
One thought on “Day 18 – Castrojeritz to Itero de la Vega”
That down slope looked steep. I’m sure it was a challenge. DAVE
Jimandi 
That down slope looked steep. I’m sure it was a challenge. DAVE
LikeLike