Hobbit Homes in Spain

 Terradillos de Los Templarios/San Nicholas/San Nicolas del Real Camino/Sahagun

Sept 23. 14 km. Meesta Bleesta walks on.

It occurs to me that a map might be in order. We are near Leon, where the blue dot is (as of 9-22-14)

Where we started and where we intend to end, are marked.

At dinner last night we sat with Jano, from San Paulo. This is his third time on the Camino. It has surprised both of us how many people have done this multiple times. Jano said the first time he raced through and realized when he went through his notes that he missed much of the Way. The second time, he was much more observant and took his time. He said he doesn't really know why he is doing it again this year. Next year the Pope will be somewhere on the Camino,so there will be even more crowds. This year is the 800th anniversary of San Francisco making the pilgrimage from Italy, so there are more Italians than usual. Jano said there are so many Germans this year because they are giving thanks to St James for the victory in the World Cup! All in all, a delightful conversation at dinner time.

Our albergue Los Templarios. 

The morning started with blister treatment, in preparation for our walk. We hit the road around 7 AM and again were blessed by a great sun rise and got to watch some threatening skies in our path.

Fortunately, those dark clouds didn't drop any precipitation on us.

We stopped in a small village for our coffee and tortilla. In the hillside were, what John thought, bodegas, little holes in the hillside where people store their wine. I had to point out that these must be homes...there are chimneys and antenna on top! Hobbit holes in real life.

As we neared San Nicolas del Real Camino, I had to snap this picture. 

 I suppose I shouldn't want someone pooping on my roof either.

The front of the no pooping home, complete with the sunflowers that are past ready for harvest. 

John's blisters are still grieving him. Mine were so close to the surface that they healed more quickly. His are deep, under heavy calluses. But he trucks on. My prayers for are for John to recognize if he gets to the point of needing a day off...instead of 'manning-up'.

During our walk today, my thoughts turned to my Mainland family, Rick and MaryAnn and Uncle Buddy. While I'm not good on keeping in touch with them, I think of them often and pray for their health and well being.

Tonight we are in a hostel in Sahagun. We have a private room with queen sized bed, private bath and a window with flowers. The municipal albergue is on the other side of the road from us. On top of the albergue is a gigantic stork nest. 

We've seen these all over this area of Spain.

After looking at these photos, it seems I'd better clean the camera lense. 

Early to bed, after the blister treatment. Tired, tired, tired. Of four people in our room last night, two snored loudly all night. Short on sleep and I've yet to find the good earplugs.