Donna was feeling quite a bit better this morning, after resting and icing her shin splints for a couple of days. She decided to give it her best shot to walk with us this morning. She made it about half a mile out of town before the pain became to great for her to carry one. We decided it was best for her to rest another day, so we walked back to Fromista to the nearest Café. There we called for a taxi, which arrived within 10 minutes. Donna was a little heart broken and let down, but knew it was best to get back on track for the final two weeks that are coming up.

After the taxi arrived for Donna, I walked alone the first half of the 12 miles to Carrion de los Condes. Eladio had gone ahead and I told him I would eventually catch up. It was nice walking alone with my thoughts. The sound of coo-coo birds filled the morning air, which was a nice treat. Just before the first village, called Poblacion de Campos, there was a lovely chapel, garden and cemetery. It seemed beautiful and peaceful, so I stopped there for a little break and to take in the quiet beauty. While there I received a text from Eladio saying he would wait for me at the next village, so I walked quickly to catch up. Once we met, we happened upon small village café on a farm. We walked in and ordered omelette’s. We were greeted by friendly dogs, chickens and roosters. A bit later a gaggle of geese came passing by very loudly, as if to demand everyone’s attention. The owner brought out some stale bread to feed them, which I did and it settled the geese down.

Most of our walk from that point was along a highway into Carrion de los Condes. We did walk upon one additional small village with a massive medieval period cathedral. We couldn’t help but wander into the village to see the church. We were met at the church doors by a local man eager to meet us. We paid a small donation to enter and then wandered the beautiful chapel. The church is called Santa Maria La Blanca. Dating from the 12th century, it houses the remains of noblemen and royals. It is now a national monument.

After arriving in Carrion, we checked in to our hotel. I was resting in my hotel and I could hear an Australian accent just outside my window. It was Ebony having a drink on the terrace from the bar in our hotel. She was literally just outside the window. Eladio and I joined her and Graham. We talked, laughed and shared stories from our day.

Rick, Donna and Eladio departing Fromista

Camino Pilgrim Art Crossing Highway out of Fromista, Spain.

Small Chapel at Park and Cemetery in Poblacion de Campos

The main street through Revenga de Campos is called “Calle Camino Fraces,” or The French Way Street.

Cross in field between Fromista and Carrion de los Condes

Feeding the Ducks at Lunch

Outside Santa Maria la Blanca Church

Inside Santa Maria la Blanca Church

Inside Santa Maria la Blanca Church

Inside Santa Maria la Blanca Church

Inside Santa Maria la Blanca Church

Inside Santa Maria la Blanca Church