Boadilla del Camino, Castile and León, Spain and Canary Islands
Distance by the guide book - 19.1km
Total distance for the day - 23.3km
Flights climbed - 30
Who said the meseta was flat? We started the day with a 12% gradient hill that went on for one kilometre. But oh my goodness the views were worth the effort. Huge blue skies, green fields from horizon to horizon and a wonderful outlook back over Castrojeriz.
From our hotel at the beginning of the town it was exactly a 2 km walk to the end of the village. We realised there was a lot of the town that we didn’t see yesterday afternoon in the wind and the cold so it was good to have a chance to see it this morning. It was still a cool 7° this morning when we set out with the prospect of it rising to 14° sometime today, but there was only a light breeze so it was quite comfortable. I took my puffer jacket off before we started the climb and didn’t need to put it back on for the rest of the walk.
So far we’re loving the meseta. The big skies and the endless views are wonderful. I can see that in the heat of summer it could be horrendous, with very little protection offered from the sun and in autumn when all the fields are ploughed in and dead, it would be a very different view from what we’re seeing.
But in this season it is absolutely gorgeous. We’re very lucky to have the cool weather to go with it as well.
After about 10kms we were thrilled to see a little oasis appearing in the distance on top of another hill. We were ready for a morning stop.
A pathway of beautiful poppies lined the road leading us to the rest area. Unfortunately there was not much on offer by way of food there and the wind was picking up on top of the hill so even though it was a gorgeous position we opted to keep walking to Itero de la Vega 2 kms away. Luckily that decision didn’t backfire on us today. We found a nice warm local bar serving Spanish potato omelette or tortilla. After a serving of that and some tea to warm us up we were ready to face the final 8.5km to our destination.
Someone mentioned in the comments that we hadn’t been complaining about any ailments lately so we must both be doing okay now. Sheila’s ankle is back to normal. My back has been behaving itself, which is great. However, today the tendon on my left ankle decided to really jack up.
I limped the last two kilometres into Boadilla El Camino. This is an ongoing problem I’ve had since well before the Camino. I’ve been babying it along so far but today after the climbs and the steep descents down again it had had enough. I’m hoping that with some ice treatments and some anti inflammatories I can keep it going for a while longer. Fingers crossed.
Our Albergue tonight is in a hotel. It is one long attic room with about 18 beds in it. The beds are all singles, not bunks, so that’s very nice, and there’s a bit of space between the beds which is also nice. This was another change on our original itinerary due to accommodation issues so we were just happy to get beds for the night. It does mean, however, that tomorrow we have to walk the 5.5 kms we didn’t walk today which will make for a long day tomorrow. I think we’ll be making an early start.
Jenny
2023-05-13
Beautiful scenery once again! Some of your photos would make great jigsaw puzzles, Leanne. I hope the anti-inflammatory and the ice have helped your ailing ankle and all will be well..you girls are doing so well! 🤞🏻😘
Marl
2023-05-13
Once again, the photos are lovely. What a scenic day! Good luck with the ankle, Lan. 🤞🤞
Jayne
2023-05-13
What gorgeous scenery. Hope the ankle settles
Helen D
2023-05-13
Finally had time to catch up and comment, Leanne. The scenery has been amazing, especially with the red poppies. I do hope the ankle settles quickly.
Joc
2023-05-13
You’re definitely there in the right season.
Chris D
2023-05-13
Magnificent landscapes Leanne. You certainly picked the best time of the year to appreciate it in its full beauty.
Allan
2023-05-13
Certainly a beautiful section of your trail! Fingers crossed for you both on the health and well-being front! XX
Kathryn
2023-05-13
Hello to both of you. Such inspiring scenery. Take care of that Achilles tendon. I know how bad it can be.
Karen K
2023-05-14
Loving your Camino tales Leanne. The photos and commentary make me feel like I’m there with you … although I don’t have the worry of my Achilles tendonitis . I hope yours will settle down soon. Sheila I can feel that cold wind going right through your jacket!
Ange K
2023-05-14
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful 😀 As you said the scenery is beautiful 🏵 Sorry to hear about the pain your experiencing Leanne! Hopefully the remedies work for you 😍 Sounds a bit hit and miss with stopping for food, but good when it works ... all part of the wonderful experience and memories for you xxx
Ann- Maree
2023-05-14
Keep soldiering on if you can Leanne. I’d hate for that tendon to ruin a perfectly wonderful tale of adventure.
Suzanne
2023-05-14
Love the poppies. Do hope your ankle is better today after some treatment. How are you coping with communal sleeping?
Lisa K
2023-05-14
Beautiful scenery - quite spectacular indeed - and you’re obviously there at the right time of year. Such a steep walk today if it equates to 30 flights climbed. Hope your knees and backs make it to the end. I’m glad Sheila’s ankle is now back to normal and your back is behaving but I’m sorry that you’re in a bit of pain now Leanne with that tendon. Fingers crossed the anti inflammatories and ice help.
Liz Davis
2023-05-15
Hope that a night's rest alleviates that tendon problem, Leanne. Glad that the other issues have gone away. Such beautiful countryside. Those poppies are glorious.