To Salamanca 16km Stage 15

September 26-27

A beautiful walk from Morille going over rolling hills. It was cool with a beautiful mist over the water as the sun came over the mountain. The sun making a red glow in the sky. After 4.5 hours we entered the medieval city of Salamanca and trekked our way passed the magnificent cathedral and onto Plaza Mayor to find our hotel. It's such a magnificent city and worth staying an extra day to enjoy.

Salamanca is a great city to explore - lots of monuments to see and many tasty cafes and restaurants to try their local foods. What is annoying are the crowded streets. On Friday they were full of university students and on Saturday the city was buzzing with tour groups. A big difference to the many small villages we've passed through, where only a few locals were seen walking the streets.

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To Morille 32km Stage 14

September 25

Today was our longest trek to-date. We left our Albergue at 8am with the temperature at 8 degrees centigrade -the coldest morning yet. But the sun was shining which made for a great trek, going through many ranches and rolling hills. After 3.5 hours we were thankful to reach our first town and enjoyed coffee and chicken wings. We reached our second village 2 hours later and found a bar with a beautiful courtyard. After 8 hours of trekking we reached our destination and met some peregrinos from the previous night. A long day, but it was so wonderful. I noticed at tonight's dinner that the cuisine has changed to more of the local recipes. I had chicken done in a beer sauce. So good!

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To Fuenterroble de Salvatierra 19km Stage 13

September 24

This was the best walking day, going through beautiful countrysides and still seeing old Roman markers along the path. It was very enjoyable today walking with Linda and Michael sharing stories of our personal and work lives. This trek was made more enjoyable with stops at two small village bars for coffee and snacks. The sun was shining and the air was cool, which made for a fabulous walk. We arrived at our Albergue in Fuenterroble, which is eclectic. It is a parish Albergue run by paid and volunteer staff with hippy-like hosts. It was so much fun participating in a communal dinner with each peregrino bringing something to share. We met many new peregrinos today and sharing stories of our travels. It is more fun when the Albergue has more peregrinos.

See Fuenterroble de Salvatierre pics

To Calzada de Bejar 20km Stage 12

September 23

We left our Albergue with Linda, and Michael catching up to us a few hours later. The trek had a gradual elevation gain this morning going through the picturesque town of Banos de Montemayor, hosting the Roman  baths. Unfortunately we only had time for a coffee break. And how friendly the locals where towards us, some older men giving advise on which trails to follow. We decided to follow the guide book. Hard to believe we were walking on paths built by the Romans over 2000 years ago. The large stones are uneven now and many of the markers on the sides of the path are still standing today, but thousands of people walk this ancient path each year. It was another fantastic day that ended with a group dinner at the Albergue. It was also Linda's 67th birthday and our host and husband celebrating their 19th anniversary.

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To Aldeanueva del Camino 24km Stage 11

September 22

The first 6km today went through more farmlands-mainly cattle ranches until we reached the Arco de Caparra, the ancient Roman ruins. It was a major city during its time of Emperor Augustus, but now it's a archeological dig sight and a restored archway that is spectacular. The site attracts many visitors, including local hiking clubs that make Caparra their turn around point. The remaining 13km went through open fields and and a few water hazards. It had rained the day prior and therefore the creeks were high. Julie gets anxious when there is a chance of falling in. We arrived in Aldeanueva and met up again with Linda and Michael who we met a few days prior.

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To Oliva de Camino 19km Stage 10

September 21

Leaving Carcaboso was a challenge as the streets and sidewalks were littered with empty cups and bottle. And there were many young people still partying on and some making there way home looking very tired. After about ten minutes searching for the way markings we finally made our way out of town and it was long, but for the first 13km a very pleasant trek. The terrain was rocky with huge boulders scattered amongst the fields, and in the fields were cattle or orchards of acorn trees and cork trees. We saw trees in the distance with a copper coloured trunk and as we got closer we could see that the lower bark was removed. The bark is very thick and ideal for making bottle corks. Made our way into Oliva and doesn't appear that the peregrinos we met yesterday are coming to this town. Not surprising. It's Sunday and all the stores are closed and only one bar that serves food. This is good for as we have the entire Albergue to ourselves.

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To Carcaboso 11km Stage 9

September 20

Today's trek was going to be either 11km or 29km. We chose option 1, and thank goodness. There was a party going on in Carcaboso. They were celebrating two saints - San Jovita and San Faustino. And what a fiesta! There were about six locations set up around the village with music, and serving tapas, beer and wine. There were so many people and some of the dancing going onto the street. The music was loud, and could be heard from our Albergue. I think it ended after 5am.

See carcaboso pics