Gipatik: 04.11.2023
I woke up early again, but first had a hearty breakfast and then set off around 7:45. A few more words about the accommodation El Albergue Las Peñas: So for 12€ you get a lot: a room in a 6-bed room, blanket, kitchen and comfortable shower and furnishings. However, the owner seems a bit cold and doesn't seem to be as interested in the needs of the pilgrims, as you could read in the comments on Google, but he is friendly, carried the luggage up without being asked and was always helpful. It was relatively cold in the room because of the temperature, but there were blankets. I would book there again. When I set off, I was able to put my headlamp away again because it was getting light. There were a few pilgrims behind me, but they never caught up with me. It went out into a forest and then through landscaped areas. I was well prepared for rain, but it didn't come. But it was stormy, so much so that I considered going back. It was extreme. But I made it to the next town of Azofra and since it was still too early for a break, I continued walking. Afterwards the route led back into the countryside through gravel roads, but the wind didn't let up. I've been reading something about the hurricane wind that's heading towards Europe and apparently it's already in Spain. The rain cape was blowing and storming the whole time, which increased the resistance even more. In the next town I looked for a comfortable bench outside because I couldn't find a bar that was open and enjoyed my strawberry-kiwi drink. Even though it was windy, I enjoyed the break because the sun was just coming out. After 25 minutes it continued. And the way to Santo Domingo de la Calzada became a wind test again. And I realized: I generally underestimated the wind. Otherwise I didn't see any other pilgrims on the way. When I arrived I really liked Santo Domingo de la Calzada, but the annoying thing was that you could see the city and the cathedral from afar, but it was still 7 kilometers away. So close and yet so far I thought to myself. On site I visited the cathedral, which also serves as a museum. With the pilgrim card you pay €4. And the church is very impressive. Afterwards I had the option of walking another 6km to Grañon or then 15km further. I preferred the second option because I still felt fit, but then hurricane winds and later rain came out of the blue, so I thought about going back or taking a taxi. But I had to get through it. The good thing was that we saw a rainbow for a long time, which really improved the mood. But that's why option 1 came about. I arrived in Grañon soaking wet. And just wanted to lie down and take a shower. I found the first hostel I looked for, but it was probably closed. I saw myself getting a hotel room for 90€, but then I tried the public hostel that is supposed to be right next to or in the cathedral, but after the second time walking around I called and was told that the door was open be. I tried to open the door, but nothing happened. To the left of it was another door, which I also tried in vain to open, but nothing happened. I almost gave up hope and sat on a bench and ate the baguette with cheese I had just bought and weighed my options. Then I went back to church...