Walked today: 6.8 mi. Camino’26: 109 mi.
We reached Hontanas at 10:30 and stopped at the first and only bar open in the village… for breakfast and to get off our feet.
Our room won’t be ready until 1:00, so we walked to and waited in the small square near Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.
We took possession of two chairs and a table and relaxed and enjoyed the warm sun as it gradually but comfortably raised temperature of the chilly breeze that made today’s walk a little bit easier than usual.
During our wait, we not only could see the front door of Villa Fontañas, but we were able to watch the arrival of the Correos transport van. Our eyes were focused, with anticipation, when the driver opened the rear door, removed two backpacks that were unmistakably ours and placed them inside the front door of the Villa.
Any anxiety we may have had about the potential for our bags getting lost due to the venue change in Hormillos, were quickly erased and we relaxed even further until finally entering our room at 12:45.
We selected La Pundito restaurant for our main meal at 2:00 p.m. It was only a few steps from the Villa and also served as the reception for checking in for Villa Fontañas. (We stayed at La Pundito albergue the first three times we walked the Camino Frances.)
The pilgrim’s menu of the day offered some appealing options.
Our tummies full, we headed back to the room and engaged in our routines and reflected on our feelings about today’s walk.
For a variety of reasons, the walk to Hontanas has always been one of the more difficult for us. Today it seemed to be somewhat easier. The cooler temperature helped. Maybe we’re getting used to it, after 8 tries?
Anyway, we’ll take it as an indication that walking the Camino Frances doesn’t necessarily have to become more difficult as you get older, even into your 80’s. We hope that’s true, ’cause we’re only a third of the way to Santiago!
Jimandi 