A second day on the Meseta on Bikes, but first, last night.
We had two beds on opposite ends of an attic-like large dormitory, with 20 folks. Neither of us slept particularly well. I was next to a trio of world champion snorers (with one clear victor). I really should have recorded it, but couldn't figure out if it was appropriate. Then, at 4:50AM, the first phone alarm went off, and only she didn't seem to hear it. At 5AM, a Brazilian 4-some on bikes took over 30 minutes to pack their things, and turned on all the lights. The person in the next bed at 5AM took a phone call. By 6AM, Jana and I were pretty much the last ones left (and leaving). Usually, the residents are a little more considerate...
Some of it I understand. The Meseta gets HOT. And for folks walking 30km, an early start is important to avoid the mid-afternoon heat. And towns here are pretty spread apart, so it is important to get your Alburgue all figured out so that you don't find yourself doing an extra 5-10km.
Jana and I did 65km on the bikes today. Fortunately for some of my sorer spots, about half was on asphalt, with the other half on rocky trails.
A lot of farmland today. A nice ride along a riverfront. A lot of wildflowers. A lot of birds that we did not stop to identify. And fewer pictures, since our bikes are a bit oversized, and each stop results in some discomfort.
So tomorrow, we should arrive in León (55km), turn in our bikes, pick up our luggage at the post office, and re-evaluate. If all goes well, we will be able to start walking again, and better appreciate the Spain around us.
Oh - AND TODAY WE HIT THE 50% MARK OF THE CAMINO.
After arriving in Sahagún, we checked in, cleaned up, did laundry, ate an early dinner (pizza and papas bravas), and then we returned to the room and (I) fell asleep.
I accidentally left my data-transfer cord (phone to computer) with the bike downstairs, which is now locked away, so I have to use a more roundabout way to get the photos to my computer. Between that and my taking fewer photos, there will not be as many pictures today.
22 birds recognized today (several 'unrecognized'). No new ones today.
Pictures!!:
White Stork on Church across from our Alburgue (through the bathroom window):
A ride along the river:
Sunrise on the Camino (maybe technically a little late):
Poppies!
Bought a 1st lunch for the road in Carrión - a statue just outside the cafe. On the way out of town, we passed a church with impressive details:
Stopped here for a rest, and some water, and 1st lunch (purchase from town above).
After eating, took some photos of the nearby wildflowers:
And a field of lavender:
Another break at a park in Lagartos, with a statue of a Knight Templar:
With another white stork checking its toes and chattering away (snapping its bill - I missed catching it on video):
At Moratinos, this gentleman melts wax and uses an old-style wax-stamp for a Camino Passport stamp. Quite the artist. Pick two colors, melt in a tiny brazier, pour out, stamp, and color the surface with silver ink.
A Black Kite passing overhead (retreating):
Our first view of Sahagún. Somehow, we ended up on a 'parallel' route. I must have missed a turn... But all roads lead to Sahagún, so we did not need to turn back.
Statue across from our current stay (tonight, a private room):
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