Getting into the swing of things at last.

The weather has turned for the better at last.  Today, walking to Santelices, has been much cooler than previously.

We left the lovely Posada we had stayed at,  after eating a delicious  breakfast.  Breakfasts can be a bit hit and miss on the Camino.  On that morning we had a choice of fresh goat or cow yoghurt with muesli, fresh fruit (and juice), toast with blue berry jam, and coffee.  Other times we have had Madeleine's (a small cake), toast - but a dried version, that we crunch our way through, having to wash it down with water.  Those are definitely nor our favourite breakfasts!
Our Posada
Leaving the village of Quintanilla del Rebollar 

This day was all about food - and dirt!  But more of that later.

It was a magical day as we walked through miles of forest, periodically looking out at the gorgeous vistas of the mountains. We were making very good time, even thinking that we might be strong enough to push on to the next village where accommodation was on offer.  I must point out here that not all villages offer accommodation, and not all villages have food available either. 
Heading along the forest path. 
The mountain views.
We had some interesting gates to negotiate. 
We took a slight detour to view this necropolis of anthropomorphic tombs carved out of rock. 

We were three quarters of the way to our first provisional destination, when, splat!  I hit the dirt!  It wasn't any old dirt either, but a good mixture of dry cow dung, sheep manure, and powdery dust.  I have no idea what happened, other than I landed face first, sliding some feet before coming to an undignified stop!  Miraculously the only damage, aside from filthy clothes, was a bruised finger, and a pulled muscle in my arm. 

We were out of the forest soon after this mishap, and decided to stop at the only restaurant we had seen that day.  What a fortunate decision that turned out  to be as, deciding to give me some recovery time (and time for clothes washing) we stopped for the day at Santelices, instead of pushing on wards. 

We hadn't booked the room, deciding instead to turn up, but no-one was there.  We eventually tracked down someone who could book us in, and I was able to wash my filthy clothes.  The bar, where we normally would have expected to get some food had nothing.  I won't tell you what we had for dinner that night.  Suffice it to say that we were glad of our lunch, and for the muesli bars we had in our bags!!

We had breakfast the next morning at the hotel, but it was one of those that left a bit to be desired.  Added to that, we had to eat it in the half dark because we couldn't find the light switch, and we were the only people in the building,with breakfast on a tray to help ourselves!

I am a bit behind with the blog and so will try and catch up over the next few days I hope!  For now, after a fairly tiring day it is off to bed.

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