Camino: Day 15

Distance: 25 KM (15.5 miles)

Weather: very windy-20mph, 45-56° (felt colder with wind chill)

Time on trail: 7. 8 hours including all breaks

The wind blew relentlessly all day only taking a break when we were protected by buildings or high vegetation.

Thankfully though, no rain. So our only choice was to face the wind head on and power through the day.

I was dressed in 5 layers. I was sure I would be taking off my blue rain jacket early in the day, but I was only warm on the uphill climb outside Castrojeriz.

Before we reached the top of Alto de Mostelares we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise.

Everyone stopped for a picture at the top including us.

A few minutes later we saw a beautiful view of the trail across the meseta.

And another picture opportunity even though the wind was so strong you felt you could be blown off the edge at any moment.

The morning light was amazing. As we ascended I had to stop many times to take pictures with my camera. In many ways it reminded me of my youth growing up in the Texas panhandle.

The combination of high winds & bellowing clouds with a flat landscape had me feeling nostalgic.

My husband in the golden light being patient with my picture taking.

The one and only comfort stop today was at a lovely old pilgrim’s hospital and former parish church called San Nicolas de Puente Fitero.

It now serves as a place to sit with other pilgrims with a cup of tea or coffee & cookies.

We had a wonderful time with a couple from Korea, a young woman from China, 3 Scottish women, a Portugués couple and 3 French women before continuing down the trail.

Soon after we crossed this old stone bridge. I wonder how many pilgrims have crossed this bridge over the years?

We are now in the Province Palancia.

Similar sign to Day 10, but further along on the trail.

The next town of Itero De la Vega had some fun & colorful artists to decorate their walls.

Outside an the old ruins of a church I saw this wall & scallop shell. It appears to be very old.

The next town was Boadilla. I had hoped to enjoy a nice cafe con leche & tortilla on this cold windy day, but the whole town was totally quiet. We didn’t find one open bar.

I mentioned to my husband I felt like I was in an old Western movie where the cowboys ride into town and not a single person can be seen. These small Spanish towns in the meseta do look very similar to those old movies.

So we rested by the side of a building out of the wind to enjoy snacks in our backpacks before walking the last 6 KM.

On our way to Fromista our walk took us next to the Canal de Castilla.

It provided a nice path for the end of the day. My husband even located a small shelter someone had made. He said it did stop the wind.

Right before we entered into Fromista we came to some locks for the canal. What an amazing engineer feat this project was for its time!

Saw this sign post as well. My feet have no desire to go further than Fromista today.

Our hotel is across from the street from the very attractive Romanesque church called San Martin. It was first built in 1066. Amazing!