The Way to Land's End

• Starting Point: Castrojeriz
• Ending Point: Frómista
• Daily distance:  15.47 miles (24.9 km)
• Total distance: 215.41 (346.67 km)

The hike out of Castrojeriz was grueling. We anticipated a long day and so began at daybreak. Right away there was a very steep ascent. I had to stop every 100 meters or so  to catch my breath. As we rose about the city, the view below was enchanting. Before our very eyes, we watched the mist begin to creep into the slowly awakening city. Before long, the fog overtook and enveloped us as well. We walked for hours in the thick mist. It was so tranquil and soothing. 

Like yesterday, the sun chased the fog away. Vast blue skies were the backdrop to the rest of our day. We hiked through some agricultural fields and then along side infinite fields of brown grass. I got lost gazing into the horizon. The sky and land met in a line that threw off my depth perception.  It’s hard to capture the immense vastness on camera. I probably need a wide angle lense. The openness is indescribable and quite freeing. 

One of my favorite visions today was the below lone tree. Why exactly does the beauty of a lone tree in a vast field capture my heart so completely? 

The walk into Frómista is alongside a man made canal constructed in 1753-1859. The canal is about 200km and mules were used to pull boats down tow paths. The canal is now used for irrigation of the agriculture in the area. 

We are enjoying a private double tonight. After two nights of loud snorers, we decide a few extra euros for the privacy is warranted. We had dinner, showered and relaxed in our room. Laura shared a very interesting history she found on St Teresa of Avila, who came of age and had a ministry close to the area we are in. St Teresa sounds like quite an interesting woman who I would have loved to share a conversation, and from the sounds of it, a laugh with.