Canaveral to Grimaldo

The weather changed last night, and Barcelona / Madrid Real tied in the playoffs, so the world is safe for one more day. I did not leave this sweet little town until 9:00, after grande cafe con leche and tostadas. The tiny bar keeper laughed and patted his tummy and my tummy before wishing me a Buen Camino. He is a friendly, elf-like person who seemed to enjoy taking care of the Pilgrims. From giving us the Albergue keys to feeding us yesterday and this morning, he always took great care that everything made us happy. His tummy pat was subject to interpretation: it either meant, “You have a full tummy to walk on”, or “Look how thin you are getting. You look fantastica!”

As I left town on the main road, a man stopped me and directed me off of the pavement. Just past a small Ermita, or church, the pathway left the highway and climbed steeply into a lovely pine forest. The sweet smell of pine combined with the scent of lavender. There were rock roses and the views over the countryside below were lovely. The storm clouds turned a fluffy white and scattered across the blue sky.

After climbing through the pine forests, the path descended into lovely meadows of wild flowers and ancient looking cork oak trees. It was quite magical, filled with soft light and birdsong. After crossing meadows and brooks while meandering among the cows, I took the path to the small town of Grimaldo. It was a very short walk, but a good day to continue letting my blisters heal.

The tiny town of Grimaldo straddles the highway and has only 2 or 3 streets climbing the hill behind the bar. It was fun to sit in the sun and do nothing but talk to the other Pilgrims as they arrived. We shared guidebooks, foot care remedies, and stories of our Camino journeys. There are many Germans and 2 Austrians, as well as a Danish man. The nationalities seem to move together and come in waves. The French people were here, so once again I had to mind my manners.

The Senora at the bar takes great pride in her Albergue and meeting all of the needs of the Pilgrims. The Albergue is a donation only, and she provides shampoo, bath gel, toilet paper (an unusual feature), a washing machine with detergent, and of course food and drink at her bar which is attached. She served a beautiful lunch of stir fried vegetables, pork cutlets, salad, wine, bread, and ice cream. It was presented very artfully and had been prepared with care.

Distance from  Canaveral to Grimaldo= 4.6  Miles / 8 Kilometers

Actual Distance Walked= 6.51 Miles / 10.5  Kilometers

Accommodations= Municipal Albergue, 12 places plus extra mattresses, kitchen, washing machine, donation.

If you are enjoying this trek along the Via de la Plata, and the imagery, please share this blog with your friends and family. Visit my website at www.theartistsjourney.com to see the complete collection of my artwork or purchase “The Artist’s Journey.”

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A Miracle Foot Cure

Hanging around the square today I met Sergio, a very tall, big, outgoing Spain man about 30 years old. He was very excited about practicing his English skills. He carried a notebook with all the new words he was learning, how to pronounce them, and the subtleties what they meant. His English is nearly perfect. We spent 2 hours discussing everything from American TV series to politics while Sergio diligently took notes.

We were discussing foot care and blisters. He got very excited and began raving about his great thing he had devised. He never gets blisters! He explained that you pad your whole heel with this miracle product and tape it securely in place. It absorbs the sweat. It is fantastic! He did not know the word for it in English, but he was anxious to show me the miracle product. After rooting around in his pack, he came back proudly holding a feminine hygiene product. With is pencil and notebook poised, he asked what I call this. I was not about to get into a discussion on all the different varieties available, so I merely said, “It is called a sanitary pad.” After documenting this new word and practicing how to say it about 15 times, he confided, “Of course this is for women. In Spain it can be a problem for a man to buy such a thing. We are a very Macho country. The last time I was buying it the shop keeper was not wanting to sell it to me. I put my hands on my hips and declared loudly,”My name is Sharon!” After much hilarity, I assured him that he is definitely not a Sharon type.

Distance from  Embalse de Alcantara to Canaveral= 9  Miles / 14 Kilometers

Actual Distance Walked= 12.2 Miles / 20  Kilometers

Accommodations= Municipal Albergue, rustic. 6 places, kitchen, free. Pick up the key and get your stamp in the Bar / Hostal Malaga on the main road leaving town. You may also stay at the Hostal Malaga for 15 Euro.

If you are enjoying this trek along the Via de la Plata, and the imagery, please share this blog with your friends and family. Visit my website at www.theartistsjourney.com to see the complete collection of my artwork or purchase “The Artist’s Journey.”

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Embalse de Alcantara to Canaveral

I woke to wind on the water and it felt great as I climbed up, up, up the rocky hills until I was far above the lake. I walked on high ridges with grasslands all around me, contra de viento, or against the wind.  In the distance the village of Canaveral nestled into the hillside.

The tiny town of Canaveral was friendly. The whitewashed houses are topped by an interesting variety of stucco chimneys punctuating the sky. I am amazed that these little villages provide free accommodation to Pilgrims. This Albergue is an apartment that might be termed “rustic”, but it has 3 rooms with 2 beds each, a kitchen and a bathroom. It is free, and the man who runs the bar at Hostal Malaga gave us the key. He fed the Pilgrims wonderful food at his bar, and took care of us with a smile.

On my walk about town this afternoon I encountered the local band practicing for the processions they will hold during Easter week. This is the beginning of Santa Semana, or Holy Week, the 7 days before Easter Sunday. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. Musicians of all ages marched, played and drummed their way through the streets. Villagers  leaned out of their windows, followed along, or watched from the square. The local Padre welcomed them to the 14th Century Romanesque church that dominates the town. It seemed everyone in town was involved in one way or another. This was a very fun and authentic slice of small town Spanish life.

On a narrow cobbled street, sitting with her friend in front of her whitewashed house, I met Maria. She is a tiny lady with white hair and an engaging smile. I am only 5’3″ tall and I towered over her like an Amazon. I told her I was a Pilgrim. She took one look at my feet and decided I needed to sit down. We went into her house and she gave me water at the dining room table. I learned that her husband died 3 years ago and she is very sad. I sympathized and we moved on to her 3 daughters, 1 son,  their spouses, and multiple grandchildren. I got to see first communion photos and learned that 2 of her grandchildren are adopted from China. Her house was small but very cool and lovely. The tile on the floors and walls was beautiful, and her little space consisted of a living / dining room, 2 bedrooms with Jesus over the headboards, a kitchen and a bath. Her back terrace had olive and lemon trees, and looked up at the rocky mountain that rises above the town. When we concluded our visit she directed me the opposite direction that I needed to go. She said it would be easier on my feet, and her heart would not be able to take the stress worrying about me if I ventured the steep way. I felt so honored by this sweet interlude, the welcome to her home, and the touching of hearts.

Distance from  Embalse de Alcantara to Canaveral= 9  Miles / 14 Kilometers

Actual Distance Walked= 12.2 Miles / 20  Kilometers

Accommodations= Municipal Albergue, rustic. 6 places, kitchen, free. Pick up the key and get your stamp in the Bar / Hostal Malaga on the main road leaving town. You may also stay at the Hostal Malaga for 15 Euro.

If you are enjoying this trek along the Via de la Plata, and the imagery, please share this blog with your friends and family. Visit my website at www.theartistsjourney.com to see the complete collection of my artwork or purchase “The Artist’s Journey.”

Please help others find this blog by Liking me on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ArtistsJourney Tell your friends!

Casar de Caceres to Embalse de Alcantara

I began walking along lanes lined with stone fences. The rolling grasslands continued without a break as far as the eye could see. Huge solar panel farms spread across the land, contrasting a grouping of Roman Miliarios. These were large columns, engraved with numbers and set at consistent distances along the Via de la Plata by the Romans like mile markers.

I crested a hill and could see a large reservoir in the distance. The arrows split from the road at a big construction site.  There was a heated discussion in French: the bicyclists said it was impossible to follow the trail, and went by the paved road. An older French couple consulted their very detailed guidebook and determined that the road was easier but longer.

It was already very hot, nearing 96*F, so I decided to take the shorter way and bushwhack. The arrows directed me over a lumpy, serpentine path that doubled back to the construction site and through a gate. Then there were no more arrows. I followed a dirt path that seemed to be the only logical choice. I ended up on a cliff overlooking the Rio Almonte. I was on the wrong side of the river, with steep gorges between me and the main road that I could barely see,  meandering in the distance. I briefly considered throwing myself off of the cliff and swimming if I survived. However, I did not think it could be done with my pack on.

It was now mid day with the sun at its hottest. I despondently turned back and hiked back up the hill. When I reached the construction site I found an obscure, brush covered yellow arrow pointing off the road, and through the bushes. I stumbled on, continuing to find concealed arrows like an Easter egg hunt, until eventually reaching the road. It was many more kilometers along the main road before I eventually crossed another river and found the Albergue hidden down a dirt road. I found the ancient French couple who had walked the road already showered and having lunch. I guess I should have opted for the road!

People are definitely displaying the “Pilgrim’s Shuffle” now. We walk stiff-legged with tiny steps, trying not to stress one more muscle. When we have to navigate stairs, we use a crab-like side step. Down one step, then rest with both feet on the step, then down one more step. Our toes curl under and we wince visibly with each new maneuver. It is a universal bonding experience.

This beautiful modern Albergue has a great view overlooking the lake. In the distance you can see a Roman Bridge disappearing into the water. How would it be to have so many Roman ruins and bridges that you could just say, “They are only minor ones. Let’s build the dam and flood them”? I can just see the boater’s insurance claim: “I need a new prop because I struck a submerged Roman Temple.”

The Albergue host did our laundry in a machine, and I discovered frozen pizza. More American food! I was in heaven. The French couple were here so I had to use silverware again. Darn! Everyone ate pizza and drank wine as we sat watching the sun set over the waters on this warm night. Our contentment was great.

Distance from  Casar de Caceres to Embalse de Alcantara= 15 Miles / 24.5 Kilometers

Actual Distance Walked= 16.24 Miles / 26  Kilometers

Accommodations= Albergue Turistico overlooking the lake. This very modern facility has laundry, “walk in” bunks, frozen pizzas and other goodies to be microwaved, a bar, and a nice common area with a view of the lake. This Albergue is poorly marked, but very worth finding. It is directly behind the closed  “Linda Mar” hotel. It is poorly marked at the road, but when you come to a gravel road down toward the water and the arrows tell you to cross the road to the right side and begin a steep up hill, turn left down the gravel road instead. Keep going around a corner. 26 Euro, including breakfast.

If you are enjoying this trek along the Via de la Plata, and the imagery, please share this blog with your friends and family. Visit my website at www.theartistsjourney.com to see the complete collection of my artwork or purchase “The Artist’s Journey.”

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I could kill for some American food right now

I have been gone from home 3 weeks now, and I could kill for some real American food right now. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Spanish food and wine. I am certainly consuming my share of it guilt free because of all of the walking!

Today when I had a lot of time to lounge around and think about home, I got an overwhelming craving for a hamburger. Mind you, I don’t even particularly like hamburgers, I just wanted one. I was a woman on a mission. Incredibly, a bar on the main road was open and offered the first hamburger I have seen on a menu here. It came with an entire side plate of French fries. I scarfed it down and contemplated a second one.

Unsatisfied, I browsed the super-mercado in search of something I could cook for dinner. This was pure desperation to consider cooking for myself when I could go to the local bar cheaper and easier. I proudly stepped out of the mercado loaded down with bags filled with the ingredients for that great American favorite: Mexican Food! What kind of a statement is that about our cuisine? Back at the Albergue, I made scrambled eggs with Old El Paso salsa, fresh avacados, sea salt, tomatoes and lettuce all wrapped up in a tortilla. I was wolfing it down and the French woman left the table. She washed a fork and knife, and gave it to me. Obviously she thought we needed cutlery to be civilized. I did not have the heart to tell her that we always eat tortillas like that!

Distance from  Caceres to Casar de Caceres= 7  Miles / 11.5 Kilometers

Actual Distance Walked= 12.4 Miles / 20 Kilometers

Accommodations= Municipal Albergue across from the ayuntamiento, or town hall, on the Plaza de Espana. Great, clean little Albergue with 24 places, kitchen, free. Pick up the key and get your stamp in the ayuntamiento.

If you are enjoying this trek along the Via de la Plata, and the imagery, please share this blog with your friends and family. Visit my website at www.theartistsjourney.com to see the complete collection of my artwork or purchase “The Artist’s Journey.”

Please help others find this blog by Liking me on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ArtistsJourney Tell your friends!