Day: 7
Date: Friday 26 May 2023.
From: Coca To: Alcazaren
Distance (Planned): 24km Actual (Garmin): 26.1km
Progress: 196/801km
Start Walking: 0622 End: 1213pm Time: 5h51m
Ascent: 67m Descent: 83m
Terrain: Rinse and repeat of yesterday.
Weather: Clear with storm clouds chasing me.
Stayed At: Pilgrim Hostel – €10 donation.
General Comments:
- Late yesterday afternoon the wind sprang up and it took to howling a gale. When I looked out the window I could see cloud brewing. These signs chilled my heart and when I checked the weather forecast, my heart dropped even further. Rain everyday, all day, for about the next 7 days.
- Sure enough about 10 p.m. last night I could hear the wind blowing the rain up against the window. I’m mentally made note to get my gaitors out, my poncho at the ready, and to put the pack cover on. Imagine my delight when I got out of bed this morning to see light peeking through broken clouds. Maybe the Weather Gods would smile on me today.
- It turned out to be very pleasant walking weather and the clouds and the rain stayed away. Last night’s rain did make it quite muddy under foot in places and at one stage I felt like I was wearing high heeled hiking boots, they were so caked with mud.
- As I said in my description above, today was a rinse and repeat of yesterday. The views were similar, the ascents and descents were similar, and the paths under foot were still soft and mostly sandy.
- Today’s farming report includes yet more wheat and oat crops, plus paddocks of potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions, and some sort of nut tree.
- The big news for today was that I met up with a lovely couple also walking this camino. Carmen is from Spain, Stephen is from Ireland and they are both very experienced walkers, including completing the Appalachian Trail in the US last year.
- We chatted happily for the rest of the 15 or so kilometres. They were faster walkers than me and I had to really step it out to keep up with them. Having said that, when we met up this morning, I had already covered around 8 km more than them as they had stayed at an albergue further down the road.
- It was so handy having a native Spanish speaker with us this morning as she helped me navigate the town and find where I was too collect the key for the albergue. We also had lunch together, enjoying a plato combinado, before they set of to walk a further 16km. They have a tight schedule and that means some very long days for them.
Top Tips:
- I believe that at this stage of the Camino Madrid we have moved into a new state or territory. This is really evident in the change in the amount of signage and its quality. Gone are the large white signs with arrows emblazoned. Instead you are lucky to spot a faded yellow arrow painted on the side of a tree or the edge of a post. Keep a wary eye out ..
- (Not many photos today as it was so similar to the last couple of days and, I suspect, I was too busy talking.)
Buen Camino.
Life...one big adventure 
Sound like a fun day! We’re there any arrivals at your albergue last night or were you alone there?
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It was lovely to be walking with nice people and they were so easy to chat to. Back to my solo stroll tomorrow. No, no one else arrived at the albergue last night and I have this one to myself too. It is going to be such a shock when I get to Sahagun and have to mix it with the Camino Frances pilgrims. 😊
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Is it spooky? 🤪 Yes it seems there are bed issues along the way from what I read. I wonder if it’s just the municipal albergues. Your early starts will be helpful! Nice to be done by lunch time.
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I think I will definitely book ahead once I hit the Frances, just so I can be sure of a bed. Currently I am just messaging the albergues the day before to let them know I am on my way. I suspect that is not necessary on the Camino Madrid, but I don’t want to turn up and find that the albergue is closed etc.
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Hi Mel
Book Club Heather here. I have been following your journey with great interest . Especially aware if the weather forecast atm. We are in Portugal today was our first our first 3 day cycle.trip. Escaped today in the clear and will start early tomorrow. Sunday looks awful for our ride from Viseu to Santa Comba Dao. You will be in my heart tomorrow morning as you tramp along. Happy Feet.
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Hi Heather. Lovely to hear from you and I hope you are loving Portugal. I have found here that often when the forecast says rain, it might mean a light or quick shower. Or so far anyway. I know my luck can’t last.😊 Wishing you blue skies and tail winds. Melx
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Chatting makes time go faster, especially when the scenery doesn’t warrant any photo taking. You’re doing well, Mel 😊
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Thanks, cheer squad!😊 Your support is much appreciated. X
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It is my pleasure and you are my inspiration to do a similar walk 🙂
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Go you!
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I wish!
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😎🚶♀️🥾
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I was so worried for you! We saw hailstorms and awful freak weather in Madrid yesterday, and there’s a lot of rain forecast here today too. Hoping the weather Gods stay with you, Mel. Keep safe!
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Thanks, Jo. Another day keeping my tail dry, but there is some serious thunder happening outside now. Hopefully it gets it out of its system overnight and leaves me be tomorrow. X
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😕🌂🌦💜
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Yay! It’s clearing up! Your umbrella must have done the trick!
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🤣💕
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Glad the bad weather stayed away. Seven days of rain sounds like a real mood-dampener.
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I know I am going to get wet at some stage. I am just trying to put it off as long as possible! 😉
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Here’s an umbrella: ☂️
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Ta. Very handy. 😎
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Ah, I’m glad to read the rain has held off (at least for now). And good to have company too. You know what … the views can be the same every day, if it’s on the Camino, it’s good 😀.
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Agreed. 100% Any day out walking is a good day!
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Oh, I’m glad you had some company today and also some language help just when you needed it. Extra glad the bad weather stayed away for now. It’s the little bonuses that help to keep you going.
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It’s weird. The weather forecast has been saying solid rain for a week and so far it has only stormed at night. I am MORE than happy with that!
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