Day: 6
Date: Thursday, 25 May 2023
From: Santa Maria La Real de Nieva To: Coca
Distance (Planned): 22.4km Actual (Garmin): 26km
Progress: 170/801km
Start Walking: 0629 End: 124pm Time: 5h52m
Ascent: 34m Descent: 116m
Terrain: Blissfully flat back roads, through more pine forests and wheat fields again.
Weather: Clear, dry and pleasantly cool.
Stayed At: Casa del Peregrino Albergue – €5
General Comments:
- My body was surprisingly OK this morning after yesterday’s big distance. I do have a new crop of blisters which are giving me some grief, but they should be fine in a couple of days.
- I know that walking over flat terrain is not everyone’s idea of a pleasant stroll. I, on the other hand, enjoy it because I can switch my brain off and just goggle about looking at the scenery, not worrying where my next footstep will go and if it will trip me up.
- So , I was in my element today with virtually the whole stretch dead flat. The views were similar to yesterday without the rolling hills. Firstly it was great stretches of pine forest being tapped for this sap. Then we moved into the inevitable open wheat fields before moving back into pine forest again.
- For something a bit different, a bit of horticulture was thrown into the mix as well with mass plantings of strawberry seedlings. I bet they get a hammering from both animals and humans when they start fruiting.
- The good news for the day was that I finally managed to snaffle a cup of coffee and a slice of fresh tortilla, still warm from the pan. Heaven! The barman was very friendly and offered to stamp my pilgrim credential, then presented me with a lovely little yellow arrow pin. Obviously he is a keen supporter of the camino and if every pilgrim patronized his bar, well then it is worth his while.
- Suitably coffeed up, I was happy to head out for the final section for the day. Back into wheat field, back into pine forest, and this time I noticed huge green houses stretching as far as the eye could see. When I got close to one I took a peek and it seemed to be filled with strawberry plants. So maybe this is where the strawberry plants a grown out to a size big enough to be planted out into the paddocks.
Top Tips:
- Be prepared for a bit of running around when you arrive in Coca trying to track down a key for the albergue. I clocked up another couple of kilometres going from a restaurant/bar (closed), to the tourist office (closed), and then in desperation, a third place. As it turned out, I got the key from bread shop only 20 metres from the albergue. So, my tip is to try there first, rather than walking all over town.
- The castle here in Coca is worth a look if you still have some energy in your legs. It’s design, both Gothic and Moorish, is amazing and the structure is an engineering feat. No wonder it has with stood the test of time.
- Buen Camino.
Life...one big adventure 
Hallelujah COFFEE and fresh tortilla. Jackpot. Sounds like a fab walk I hope you’re enjoying a cold something with your feet up. Wish I was there – tempted. 😂
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Just finished a large beer and all is right with the world! You are welcome to join me anytime. I have the entire albergue to myself.
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I feel that for you! How wonderful. If my dear mum wasn’t landing tomorrow you know I’d find you along the way! Hmm she does plan to spend some time here with her sisters …. let me go back to those dates. 😂😉
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😁😂😎
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Coffee and tortilla sounds good. Blisters not so. I hope they heal quickly, they must be painful.
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Thanks for your concern. I have treated them and have my feet up. Hoping they are much improved by the morning. All the best to you.
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So true about getting into an albergue in Coco. We had to go to a restaurant owned by the brother of the albergue, he phoned his brother who came to the restaurant and took us to his very small (six beds) albergue. Later there was a band playing in the square, Spanish flute, beautiful. Great ending to a beautiful day of walking.
Pine sap (resin) has many uses, some medicinal, maybe coat your blisters with pine sap!?
Enjoying your photos and commentary Mel!💥
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Lovely to hear from you you, Lie. Maybe they have relocated the albergue as it now has about 16 beds in a very creaky and a tad spooky (on my own) old school house. Good tip about the pine sap! More pine forests tomorrow, I think. X
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That castle is awesome! Worth the extra little time on your feet I’d say. Too late now, but if you often get blisters use leukotape. I often put it on my heels before long hikes or ski traverses. It should stay on for a couple of days unlike other tapes. If you already have blisters don’t put it directly in the blister, it will be very painful to remove. But it can go over top of donut pads or blister pads to help keep them in place. Maggie
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Thanks for the head’s up about the tape. I will give it a try next time. Ta
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A new “crop of blisters” … that sounds pretty bad! Yes, one just has to get through that first week (or two) 😉. I agree with Maggie – leukotape is great. Coffee and tortilla – I wish I was there with you! Beautiful photos of the castle. Rest well Mel … I enjoy your walk (as I knew I would).
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Thanks. Everyday they get a little better.
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Mel, I agree regarding walking on the flat open spaces as I enjoy relaxing and letting my mind wander while walking. Yippee to the coffee and food. Some of our best meals were enjoyed in those small towns. I’ve used those compeed plasters, and they are excellent. Hopefully, the blisters will heal soon.
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Thanks Suzanne. Maybe gazing around at the views is a good distraction from my feet!
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I think so 😎 Have you tried wearing two pairs of socks with one of them thinner? This might help with the blisters.
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Yep, tried that one on my first Camino and it made it even worse due to the wrong sized boots! Ugh! Pleased to report that my feet feel much better this morning so hopefully everything is on the mend. Ta.
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That castle looks amazing. Not sure I could explore it after all that walking, though.
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I have to admit it was a cursory glance. 😁
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Hooray for coffee!! Variety is always good with a day to relax and just follow the road. Not liking the sound of more blisters. Hope they clear up soon and that is the end of those.
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I’m with you!
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That’s a fine castle, Mel, but I bet you liked the coffee and tortilla better.
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Ah, Jo. You know where my heart lies!💜
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🤗❤️
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Wonderful and that castle is great 😊
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Ta. It was a pretty amazing structure and Spain is full of them.
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