It definitely rained last night. One can only imagine what the day would be like. The possibility of sunrise shots limited again so a slow departure didnt seem to be a problem. Of course we weren’t thinking of the distance for the day and the impact of a late arrival in our destination.

Anyway the Argentinian Octogenarian was first out the door, then the group of French people at the front entry started shuffling around. I headed to the bathroom passing them just as a rather large derrière with g-string went on quick display during a pants changing exercise – something that cant be unseen let me tell you! We opened the window up our end as it had been a hot night with fresh air limited by potential rain falling through the loft windows.

The spanish girl came back from the bathroom and quickly headed up to close our window which I assure you was not welcomed. It was letting a lovely cool but not cold breeze clear the air. Then she informed us she needed it closed because she had a cold “but thats why it should be opened so we don’t all breath your germs!” She went to breakfast. We opened it again.

Once sleeping bags were packed away and hiking gear was on we headed down to breakfast. Not always on offer so for 3 euro it was a welcome start to the day. After last night’s logistics feeding the 100 odd guests with limited staff one could only assume breakfast would also be an exhibition of precision. Just the turn and nod of the head to direct us to our table. Then Eduardo arrived with an orange juice each, a basket of bread and two large pots in hand. Cafe? Milk? Only two options for the cups on the table. Black or white. The Bus Stop Danes were great company again as we discussed the developing injuries and marvelled over the various photos we had all seen of the aurora from their northern friends and my southern friends. Certainly not a breakfast for gluten intolerance!

I went back up and checked on one of my prize possessions. It was still there! I coveted the little packet of vegemite I have been carrying around. Not yet! Not yet! But soon!

So off I went with the Lady from Atlanta into the great unknown. Rain was forecast. How much? What would the day bring? It wasn’t too far to Fromista. Only about 6 kilometres. But a long stretch ahead.

Thankfully Boadilla was small enough that we couldn’t get too lost leaving town although on the reconnaissance trip around before dinner we did seem to walk in circles enough that we amused a french man sitting at the front of the bar. However now we knew to walk around the monument in the Plaza Mayor so we were on our way.

Dark clouds loomed as day broke and we wandered along the canal leading into Fromista. We crossed the canal with a little dog and a miracle happened when we walked a little further and a supermercado opened right in front of our eyes. Finding food on the camino was not always this simple so we grabbed a packet of sliced cheese some ham and a piece of fruit each. The bread looked already stale so we thought we’d wait for a Panaderia to magically appear like it did when Jesus opened up his bread shop in Granon the other day.

We had a second breakfast at a bar in town while the rain tumbled down for a while but then thought we’d better get on our way. It was humid and uncomfortable in my rain jacket so once again I was pleased with my 140 gram umbrella. As the day progressed the sun tried to peak out here and there and then the rain would fall again.

It was a long walk today with a few characters passing us and stopping for a chat in between eating flys, breathing them up your nostrils and of course the odd one getting stuck to your eyeball.

Aaron from Africa popped in and out a couple of times with his “F#$ flies! Im going to get out of here fast!”

We arrived at Carrion at almost 5 o’clock and exhausted but not too stupid. The pension owner wanted to charge 75 euro for a twin room in a not so perfect building. I headed around to the nunnery where my beloved had first experienced their hospitality in 2018. It was a warm welcome and 10 euros for the night and Sister escorted me to a room with only 6 beds with a Dutch man two Taiwanese and an older Korean snorer. (I can say this now after the fact – and yes he was older and he was loud!).

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The Dutch man was packing up to go to the hospital as he had a pain in the calf on one leg and the farmacia had sent him to the medical clinic – they had told him to go to the hospital. He had asked the Nun if she could get his washing in as the Italians were monopolising the lavandaria and he couldn’t use the dryer. All a bit complex getting sick on the camino sometimes.

I met the Lady from Atlanta at the pilgrim shop and we went looking for some food and found three hungry Victorian’s also on the same quest. Realising we were far too early for food (as usual) we settled on a pre dinner drink and I had my first free pour gin and tonic of this camino. It was a very refreshing end to a long long day! We ate in a small restaurant around the corner and I left soon after lest the Nuns decide to lock the door a few minutes early!

I took a photo of the empty courtyard where a spontaneous party with guitars and singing had occurred last time I was there. Of course the Nuns had put an end to it when we went overtime and missed the curfew! It was too cold and wet for that this time! Quite frankly I needed sleep!

Buenas noches!