Day 16 – Hontanas to Itero de la Vega (June 11)

Map: Day 16

I swore I heard people moving around (i.e. packing up and getting ready to leave) around 3:30 am. There are some “crazy” pilgrims. Other than that, it was a good night of much needed sleep. The day was relatively uneventful. The most note worthy part was the 1050 m climb at 12% grade on the other side of Castrojeriz….Alto Mostelares. That kicked our asses! At the very beginning of it, I had the urge to start running up it but decided not to. By the time, I got to the top, I was glad I hadn’t. Then it was a 350 m descent at 18% grade. It’s very hard on the knees and I’ve learned to either walk sideways or backwards, as long as it isn’t too rocky. It’s a balance between being hard on the knees, going forward, and being hard on the Achilles, going backward.

Compared to yesterday, today was a short day. We stopped in Itero de la Vega, a tiny little town where we had a typical Camino afternoon – shower, wash clothes and wine. We spent the time talking to Jude (Judith) and Julie from Wales, which was the couple we saw yesterday while contemplating staying in Arroyo San Bol. They said it was nice and not at all like Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Heather is having issues with blisters so she is struggling. So far so good for me, other than sore heels and tired feet. I think we’ll have another short day tomorrow and then take a well-deserved rest day in a hotel.

As I sit here writing this, we are exchanging pilgrims “war stories” – blisters, tired feet and sore knees. Tonight is a community dinner so there will be opportinuties to meet some new people.

Buen Camino!