Day: 8
Date: Saturday 27 May 2023.
From: Alcazaren To: Puente Duero
Distance (Planned): 25km Actual (Garmin): 25.24km
Progress: 221/801km
Start Walking: 0614 End: 1153am Time: 5h38m
Ascent: 68m Descent: 102m
Terrain: Same, same pleasant back roads with a more unpleasant stint on the edge of a main road.
Weather: Clear, dry and then very warm.
Stayed At: Albergue Peregrinos de Puente Duero – €10 donation
General Comments:
- It was me, myself, and I at the albergue last night, so I had a very peaceful sleep and could make a quick get away this morning without disturbing anyone.
- It’s amazing what 10-15 minutes difference makes to the amount of light in the early morning sky and I had to be extra careful this morning leaving Alcazaren, keeping an eagle eye out for arrows or any other sort of camino signage.
- The highlight of today was the amount of wonderful bird song which accompanied me for good part of this morning’s walk. The path hugged the edge of the Eresma River for about 10 kilometres and the riverside trees were full of birds of all shapes and sizes. I could not help but smile at all their song.
- For the coffee fiends amongst the readership, you will be pleased to know that I managed to find a coffee this morning, but no food. In desperation I resorted to a white chocolate Magnum. Ice cream is allowed for a late breakfast or morning tea, isn’t it?
Top Tips:
- As mentioned above, today’s path, while beautiful, also includes about 3-4km of roadside walking. Luckily for me it was quite early on a Saturday morning and the traffic levels were low. Take extra care on this section.
road.
- Tonight’s albergue is excellent and has a full-time hospitalero, Paul. He is an Englishman and has been a font of knowledge about the camino and giving me lots of tips on the schedule that I have planned. At this stage, I am the only pilgrim in the house
- Puente Duero is only a small place, and features an excellent bar on the corner and opposite the old bridge. It was heaving with people, which is always a good sign, and they served up an excellent and large plate of beef fillet, chips and lettuce. I didn’t leave a crumb!
Buen Camino.
Life...one big adventure 
I am with you for the white chocolate Magnum!
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They are irresistible and much cheaper in Spain than in Australia! 🍨🍦
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Ha ha a magnum for breakfast. My kids would do a camino for that! 😂 Sounds like another fab day. Coffee, an empty albergue to choose your bed, a scrumptious meal and an entire poppy field, magic. 👣
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Yep, Camino magic,✨🧙♂️
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Love the poppies! Of course, ice cream is allowed for a late breakfast 😉. Guess what … Berto and I were hiking with a guide between wild animals this morning and back at the resort, we bought ice cream … and my choice fell on a Magnum (though not white chocolate, but peppermint). So in a way, I was in spirit with you today 💌. Buen Camino Mel.
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We are kindred spirits or ice cream ones, anyway!😆
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Hello there. How many miles/kilometers will the entire hike entail?
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By the time I walk into Santiago de Compostela on 20 June, I should have knocked over +800km. Or more likely, it will have knocked me over!😉
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My son is amazed at the early morning birdsong. He recorded it and I identified a lot of nightingales. Perhaps you are hearing these too?
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Perhaps. I really have no idea, but they are incredibly beautiful.
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I prefer the almond one but any port in a storm. Oops, didn’t mean to use that word 🫢💗
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Hush your mouth! 😆🍦🍨
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🤐🩵
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How do you manage for meals? I imagine there’s not many shops around or open when you set off.
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Yes, sometimes it is a bit of a challenge. I carry plenty of snacks and then try to have a big lunch when I arrive at my destination. Then something lighter for tea. When that doesn’t work out, it is good for the waistline! 😆
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I believe you are close to Santervas de campos. We stayed at the albergue in the same building as the Museo Ponce de Leon and had the most wonderful time. Did a tour of the museum.
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Hi Lue. I think I am a couple of days away yet and don’t plan to stop there from memory. So many interesting places along this route. X
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I love your early morning light. I also love the idea of having it all to yourself, the only thing putting me off is lots of other people!
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Well, this path is definitely for you. I have definitely had it all to myself. Now the Camino Frances is a whole other story…
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Duly noted!
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😎
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Pleased to hear you had a hearty meal as your body would certainly be screaming out for one with all that walking. I do love my food 😉 Keep going Mel you are doing amazing x
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Thanks, Suzanne. It’s always a bit of pot luck in these small towns, especially as the Spanish eat so late.
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✅✅ I’m really enjoying your trip blog – especially, I think, because I’m rereading it as it happens 😊
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Thanks, Kate. Hopefully it’s not too boring with the scenery being so similar of late. Enjoy your last few days holiday . X
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Hi Mel, your daily blogs are the first thing I read each day. You seem to be enjoying your walk. Have your blisters healed? Alan left to go to Tuncurry yesterday. Keep safe. Love June xx
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Hi June. Lovely to hear from you. Yes, my feet are definitely on the mend. Still a few sore spots and it a joy to take my boots off at the end of each day. Another great walking day today and I will post about it a bit later. Thanks for your support. Melxx
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Oh, we are home already
Arrived Sat 27th May 😕
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Oh, welcome home. I had it in my head you were not home until the 31st. I bet the temperature difference is different! 🌨❄
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no comment ;(
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😁. I guess now is not the time to tell you that I am enjoying about 12C to start the day with a top of about 24C?
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Ice cream is always allowed, any time of day 😊
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I like the way you think!🍦
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Hey, if you had an amazing day of walking after that breakfast, maybe ice cream is the key!
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True. I think you are on to something there!
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Personally I believe ice cream is allowed any time you feel like it but maybe that’s just me. Loved your photos in this one. So many interesting things to see. And isn’t birdsong in the morning such a lift?
I can’t believe you are over a quarter of the way there already! You are a machine!
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Sounds like we are going to be eating a lot of ice cream on the Bibb when we hit town!😊🍦🍦
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My food rule for track towns is the ‘3Fs’. Fresh, Fried or Frozen. 😁
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As long as it’s food, who cares?
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