Rain (and worse) the whole way to Sahagun

Its forecast to be rainy and cold for the next four days - all the way to Leon. Fab.

Plenty of pilgrims peeked heads out of covers today and caught the bus. We even had a lady offer to spilt a taxi ride to Sahagun with us.. Oh so tempting... But we languished in the bar,stirred our drinks till there was nothing there, I called    Michael and disturbed him at work....but it still meant we eneded up suiting up and trudging through the mud and rain. 

What makes thing bearable - apart from good quality gear ( I remember gasping when we shelled out for our gear.. But am so glad we did) is the bars along the way which offer warmth and a hot drink.

The wind blustered and was full of ice. It was strong enough in places to blow me off tge track... And I'm not exactly a dimpering waif. It made what should have been a pleasant 12 km a very difficukt arduous task. 

Giant boccadillos for second breakfast!!

Just as we got into the city limits of Sahagun, the icy winds dropped, ony to be replaced by hail... Cold.. Hard..thick hail.. Unrelenting.

We just ducked our heads and walked on.. So glad to see our Albergue! Our hospitellier took our wet smelly clothes - I wanted to cry, but went for a sleep instead. An hour later, our clothes were returned washed and fluffy.. Sigh..

Probably the best Albergue so far - particuarly as we scored a room to ourselves - bunks still but with a private bathroom..and thick fluffy blankets... And thick pilows... AND internet that isn't flakey!!

Michael and I facetimed for two and a half hours - its been so frustrating to have crap internet. 

We went for a walk into town after a rest. With the sun not setting till 9.30 pm, it makes for long evenings. Morgan is in desperate need for pants as his long ones ripped to shreds a week ago and his shorts have had to be repaired a few times. 

It difficult to understand I guess, but we havent come across a shop bigger than a corner store, so it was fantastic to get some bandages, compeed, moisturiser and other bits and bobs.

This building is along the way in town... Hard to believe its still standing. There isnt much stone in this region - everything is mudbrick.

Off to bed now... Snore... Big day tomorrow - in the rain again

Carrion Los Condes and Terradillos de Los Templarios

It was pretty chilly today, sonwalking was brisk and bars to escape the freezing wind were gratefully found ( and stayed in longer than need be ) 

Our first stop was the beautiful Inglsia Santa Maria  in Carrion Los Condes where we lit a candle for Age and had a few moments of reflection on our journey so far.

Our stop for the night was once a stronghold for the knights templar, but now its a dirty run down rural village with a population of 70.. When the Albergue is full ( like it was tonight, ) that number doubles.

Jacques de Molay was the 23rd and last Grand master of the Order of the Knights Templar. The Albergue is stil loosely run under templar traditions and I admit it has a hospitable and calm environment, despite the amount of prople here.

I went to visit the church which the templars had built, mainly to see the 12 th century cross which is apparently very unusual.. But I never got to find out whatveas unusual about it as the doirs were securely locked.

Its a freezing night, with forecasts of sleet  tomorrow.. Ilk

Santa Maria Temple in Villalcazar De Sirga

Santa Maria Temple in Villalcazar De Sirga is one of the most important Knights Templar temples still surviving.

What is left is only half of what was built in the 1100s and used to back onto the knights castle - now destroyed. 

The important features I wanted to was the carving of the knight at the entrance as well as the life and death medieval paintings of St  James.

It is believed that after he was Martyred, St James body was transported along what is now the camino, to be laid to rest at Santiago.