Day 24 – Sahagún to Bercianos del Real Camino

Walked: 6.2 mi. Camino2025: 132 mi.

A few minutes after choosing our preferred route, Bob and Cathy from Nevada passed us. We passed them a few minutes later when they found a bench for a brief rest. They soon passed us again and we wished them “buen Camino”.

We walked into the La Perala dining area and were greeted by Bob and Cathy once again. This was their first Camino and we shared common experiences so far. They finished their snack, as we began our breakfast and we said our goodbyes once more, as we silently wondered when and where we might see them again.

Shortly after finishing breakfast at around 11:00, a kind gentleman, who may or may not be a family member, had just begun to work at La Perala when we visited last September. He recognized Jim today and welcomed us back and began to check us in early.

Being familiar with an albergue’s routine and facilities, makes return visits much easier and La Perala is a good example.

Unlike most pilgrims, Jim brought along his personal barber and took advantage of our knowledge of the La Perala layout. He set up an outdoor chair in the warm sun, inconspicuous to other pilgrims, who might form a line and tie up Linda’s afternoon.

He received a nice trim and the light breeze took care of potentially incriminating grey laced clumps of human hair.

Otherwise, our afternoon was routine.

Unlike most days, we had early afternoon bocadillos and signed up for a 6:00 p.m. main meal as well.

Roasted chicken with assorted vegetables, soup, spaghetti and a local red wine (vino tinto) made for a nice dinner.

We made preparations for our walk tomorrow and got an early start on a good night’s sleep.