Today’s walk was another of two halves – or more accurately two thirds and a third. The first part was glorious, just how I like it, walking through meadows, not alongside or between them. Lots of flowers and trees (and cows) – really lovely.
The second part was road – not so lovely but not as bad as most, very quiet being Mayday holiday. Walking along the road, first into the village of Riolobos and then a 9 km slog into the walled town of Galisteo, I was fairly sure that others had taken a different route. There is a diversion through Riolobos because the owner of the land that had always been used for this section of the Via de la Plata decided a few years ago that he no longer wanted pilgrims roaming over his property. The government intervened but he would not change his mind and hence the diversion. However, people who were behind me at the meadow section were sitting comfortably at the bar when I arrived in town. I’m glad to say that Paul, my room mate, also took the same route that I did – we are the only English and followed the very clear directions, so increasing our journey by around 5 km, whereas the others I guess took the old route regardless! I shall have to find out and report back.
Update – just spoke to the Germam pilgrim – they all took the same route I did. The Dutch couple who were behind me, and at the bar when I arrived, took a taxi – now all is clear!
So just a short post – the photos say it all – the camera was very busy today!
I wasn’t the only one carrying my worldly goods on my shoulders on the camino this morning
These beautiful animals were on the track this morning – we spent quite some time chatting
Distance according to wikiloc (my own recording) 33.7km
Accumulated elevation uphill 354 metres
Accumulated elevation downhill 423 metres
Total distance walked 663.1 km, average 27.6 km per day
I’ve decided to give up on reporting expenditure – I think you will have an idea by now how it can be done. I will continue with the cost of accommodation only. Today I am staying in hostal ‘Los Emigrantes’, sharing a room with another pilgrim, with bathroom shared by many more 10€. It is fine for the price (the Albergue was full).
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
More beautiful photos again. Isn’t the wildlife magnificent? Buen Camino
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Lovely photos Maggie. I miss cattle in Andalusia so thanks for that. Gorgeous scenery, a picture is worth a thousand words! Hope you sleep well tonight. Buen camino
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Your photos are fab-u-lous! The country air, the flowers especially and the curious farm animals that allowed your to take their pictures are all awesome again today. ❤ ❤
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Just loved the photos, especially Sid Snail!
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Your eye for photography is amazing! I’m loving your pictorial journey as well. Maggie, your trek is in my spirit for sure–I dreamed last night I was walking with you, many paces behind, because you were walking so much faster, but you were very gracious about stopping and waiting for me to catch up. In my dream, when we got to the alburgue, I had forgotten my sleeping bag and money back home in Wyoming and was very embarrassed about having to borrow 8 (???, 8) euros to pay for my accommodations. Hmmmm, wonder what my sub-conscious is trying to tell me? Buen Camino!
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Leona, I would definitely wait for you and pay for your accommodation. Not sure about sharing my sleeping bag though!
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To see your progress I did a quick look at the map. You are almost half way now, I think. Keep heads up and keep making those nice pictures.
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What a beautiful path thru the trees! The cows were beautiful, too!
And what color! Sleep well, Maggie!
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Love the cow pictures. Cattle will always pose for the camera and can spot s film crew at half a mile.
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Hello Maggie,
I plan on walking the Via de la plata in June. Where you are at has the Camino Mozárabe joined up with the Via de la Plata yet? I think I will be rereading your posts that coordinate with the Via de la Plata when I travel.
Thank you,
Bryce
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Love the photos. Especially the snail 🙂
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Fascinating photo of the walled town. I wonder if the snail has made it there by now? Our first evening and night taking care of your precious Roly-dog has gone exceptionally well. He seems relaxed and contented and is already taking charge. On our evening walk I made what could be a huge discovery — a yellow camino arrow on a path at the bottom of the village! Or did you perhaps paint it there to mark the start of your walk from home? I was so surprised to come across it. Roly did a wee on it, so it’s now suitably marked up for others. His only misdemeanour has been chasing a group of giggling girls who were collecting money for their school tour. He took one look at them outside our front door and lit out the gate after them in full fury. I was most relieved that instead of bolting for home he responded to my piercing whistle and came wagging back wearing his sheepish look. He got a lecture from J-K about not chasing girls. Watch out for part two of Roly blog. I’m keeping him up to date with your stupendous progress while David is away.
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