13. Tag 11 nach Carcaboso

I only occasionally noticed Nef's snoring. The mattress was a bit soft, and the whole bed moved whenever I turned over. But I woke up around 5 a.m. Another person sleeping in a different room made some noise, which woke me up. I stayed in bed until 5:30, and when I couldn’t fall back asleep, I got up. Nef was also awake. I packed my things and got myself a coffee from the vending machine, preferring it without milk, as I didn't know how old it was. The cup was filled to a third, more like an espresso. But it was good. I chatted with Nef a bit. He is going to the churros place at 7 a.m. where you can get churros and hot chocolate. I'm considering going there too, but I don't feel like waiting over an hour. So, I say goodbye and head off. It was really nice to meet him. What he did, working for a time without charge as a hospitelero, would definitely also be something for me. I walked along the main street for half an hour, then entered the forest and darkness, and then climbed a hill. So I started sweating a little at the beginning. I also always had to make sure I was taking the right path. It's a bit more challenging in the dark, but I enjoy walking in the dark. It gives you an even greater feeling of peace and solitude. When I saw two sparkling eyes, I got startled for a moment, but it was just a cow. I always forget that animals here can roam freely in the fields more than less. The path became a bit wet again, and here and there I had to step through water, but I've gotten used to that by now. The sun didn’t want to come out today, and it was quite windy. I wore my rain cape most of the time. When it was light already, I had to cross a small stream where I had to walk over small stones. It was slippery, and I was really just waiting for the moment I would fall. Then there was another stretch that consisted more of mud than a path. And there, I slid through more than I walked. After that, I reached the next village called Galisteo, where I checked that there was a Spar, a supermarket. Unfortunately, the size and selection were on petrol station level, so I took a break with some water and peanuts. I only have 12 kilometers left. Today I’m moving a bit slower than usual, but the distance isn’t so long. I’m really curious if I can continue feeling this good. I have a small blister, but otherwise, my health is great. I'm slowly getting used to the backpack, and I've sorted things out, trying to carry not too much luggage.

After the break, I had to walk along an automobile road without a pedestrian walkway most of the time. There wasn't even a shoulder or hard shoulder. So, it was again living on the edge. Although not many cars passed, it was still not very relaxing. But I managed it and finally reached my destination. The place is quite manageable, but I booked a bed in an albergue that just opened 8 months ago. From the outside, it looks great. Unfortunately, no one was there, and I first panicked thinking no one was there and the albergue was closed, even though I already paid. But I called the number, and after 10 minutes, a friendly lady came and explained everything to me. And the accommodation is truly a dream. Everything is clean, the beds are comfortable, and the blankets are soft. I could definitely stay here longer. I'm in an 8-bed room, and we have our own showers and toilets in the room. Moreover, breakfast is included in the price of €18. So, breakfast in quotations, because they provide muffins, coffee, toast, jam, and such, but that’s enough for me, especially the coffee. And the good thing is that they set it up in the evening, and you can take it at any time in the morning. After the shower, I rested and then headed to the supermarket, which had a bit more to offer. I got myself a cheese pizza, salad, and cream cheese, and enjoyed that in the hostel. It was delicious. Then I planned the next stages a bit. After that, another pilgrim from Italy came into the room. I forgot his name, but we talked a bit. He has also walked several ways and has been completely alone on his journey for the last 5 days. It’s funny how you get a good feeling when others are walking alone too. He says it’s like that on this route. I’m still glad to be walking this path and look forward to the coming days. He went out again. I'm staying in bed, resting a bit more, and will go to sleep early. Tomorrow the stage will be a bit longer again, and there are several routes where I have to be careful not to get lost.

In that sense, see you tomorrow.

Photos to follow