Day: 11
Date: Tuesday, 30 May 2023.
From: Medina de Rioseco To: Villalon de Campos
Distance (Planned): 28.5km Actual (Garmin): 29.3kmProgress: 302/801km
Start Walking: 0618 End: 1238pm Time: 6h20m
Ascent: 99m Descent: 79m
Terrain: Pleasant paths alongside a canal and then out into more wheat fields.
Weather: High cloud and hot.
Stayed At: Hotel Venta del Alon – €39
General Comments:
- It was a picture perfect start to today’s walk. I headed out of town in the early morning dark and it was a bit of a struggle to see the yellow arrows particularly if they had faded or were hiding behind parked cars etc.
- Eventually the arrows pointed me in the direction of a lovely canal which apparently extends for 119km all the way up to places like Fromista which you walk through on the Camino Frances.
- It was a joy to be walking on such a wide and clear path with peaceful water on my left and the usual wheat fields on my right. I was thoroughly enjoying it until I realised I was being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Yes, I’m a bit slow on the uptake sometimes and didn’t equate a large patch of still water with prime breeding grounds for mozzies.
- I quickly dropped my backpack and grabbed my bug spray, using it liberally. That really slowed the little buggers down for awhile until they realised that the spray added a delicate seasoning to their dining pleasure and they came back en masse. In one slap I killed 5 mozzies, so that gives you an idea of how thick they were.
- All this unwanted attention made me up the pace to get away from the water and who would have thought they would pursue me right across the paddocks as well? They were either very hungry or just incredibly persistent.
- The rest of the day was back into the patchwork paddocks, wheat fields, and endless broad blue skies. It got a bit hard going after a while as the heat ramped up in concert with the number of kilometres.
- When you are walking a Camino, or walking anywhere I guess, you need to be adaptable. I needed be that today when I arrived in Villalon de Campos. I knew the albergue didn’t open until 3pm so I had to find some food and a shady spot and wait it out. As I sat under a veranda looking out on Plaza Mayor, a man approached me and in rapid fire Spanish explained that he was the hospitalero for the albergue kand that it was closed. In fact this was the only day in the whole year that the albergue was going to be closed. Bad timing on my part. I later learned that they had closed it for fumigation so maybe it is just as well that my timing was poor.
- With a lot more hand waving and rapid fire Spanish the gentleman suggested that he would drive me back to the previous village so that I could stay at the albergue there and that in the morning, someone from that village would drive me back to Villalon so I could start walking again.
- While very generous, that also sounded like a lot of hassle for the volunteers and, personally, it sounded a bit crazy to go backwards and then have to go forwards again. So I have blown the budget on a small two-star hotel and it is fabulous to have my own bathroom and luxuries like clean sheets and towels. Yep, I’m livin’ the high life.
- It’s hard to believe I am a third of the way through my trip and over a third of the distance has been completed. How did that happen?
Top Tips:
- After a little town called Tamariz, there are three different route options to connect Cuenca de Campos, including a supposed shortcut. I chose the second option which involved cutting across country and staying away from the main roads. It was the most pleasant option, however it certainly was no shortcut.
Buen Camino.
Life...one big adventure 
Hello Mel! We are enjoying reading about your adventure. I think you deserve the high life on day 11!
You’re smashing it! Love from Karen & Clinton Bob
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Hi Karen and Bob. Lovely to hear from you. Another big day ahead. I just need to kick myself out of this comfy bed and get packing!😁 Melx
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I’m not walking with you every step of the way, but I ‘m right behind you, if only virtually.
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And I really appreciate that. 🥾🥾😊
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I’m very impressed. 300km!! I suppose it’s a matter of one foot in front of the other and each day at a time and the miles just add up. I have never been a long distance walker, but I admire those who are. Annoying about the mozzies. They would eat me alive. 🤗
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Normally I am the last person to be attacked by mozzies, but I was a sitting duck yesterday! Or maybe just a fresh meal! 😆
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oh no..mosquitoes… I am so happy we do not have them here in Vancouver…How many pilgrims do you see during the day ? Is it quiet? It is a Camino route that is certainly less busy than the Frances and I am sure you are not upset about that.
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I see no pilgrims each day! I have met 3 in the last 12 days and that’s it. It’s been very quiet and that is all about to change…
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wow !!!
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Yep, MUCH quieter than expected.
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Ugh, mozzies! A little bit of spoiling does no harm, Mel. You’re worth it!
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Thanks Jo. Hopefully it will all average out. 💜
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Encountered the mozzies but missed the bed bugs! Better trade. 🤪 Another big day, you’re clocking those miles friend. Thanks for the updates … they’re such a nice part of the day for those of us couch walking this with you. xx
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True! It will be interesting to see if bed bugs are still an issue over the next couple of weeks.
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Hmm I had some trouble in 2018 now I avoid places without the plastic mattresses! Most places seem to have them these days. I’m allergic so never fun.
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I will keep my eye out and report back! 🐞🐛🐞
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🏃♀️ Go, Mel, amazing journey notes so far. Yep, mozzies love me, too, especially in Oz 🤣
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I am usually the last one they attack, but pickings must have been slim yesterday,!😆
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Pleased you had your private bathroom and a bit of luxury. I would be on some days too grumpy and tired at the end of the day to share a bathroom 😉
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It feels very decadent when it happens and I appreciate every second I am my own room.
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Go the 2 star hotel!!! LUXURY!!
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I thought that would impress you no end! 😂😜
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Oh no that you had mosquitoes but wow are you covering the distance. I’m enjoying following along, you must be exhausted!
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Surprisingly, I am feeling pretty good. My feet and legs are tired at the end of each day, but so far, so good. Hopefully that continues. 👣👣👣
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When I was reading your summary at the start I noted your accommodation cost was rather extravagant compared to previous posts and wondered. Thanks for explaining. Yep, sometimes you just have to put in a little extra to get a lot of benefit.
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Sometimes it makes sense to blow the budget. Not every day, but where it is logical. 🤑💰
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Ah, the joy of sleeping in a hotel every now and then 😉 … as you say, maybe it’s a good thing you missed the albergue! The canal walk sounds lovely (the mozzies not so much). Beautiful photos Mel … love the bird ‘hotel’. Already walked a third of the way – you need to slow down girl or it will be over too soon!!
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I am sure you know what it feels like…at the start the days seem to stretch off into forever and then it is all over in a blink of an eye.
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Great photos & blogging every day Mel. Glad to hear that everything is going according to plan – for the most part. Hopefully the weather gods will continue to be kind to you. A 2 star hotel …. luxury!!!! 🙂
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Thanks, Di. I did think of you guys has I just HAD to stay in a hotel for a change. 🤣 Hope all is well with you. Xxx
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Heaven forbid you would find a 3 or 4 star hotel 🙂 All well here! x
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Most of the small towns and villages only run to a 2 star hotel!😁 And they are more than adequate for my needs. You don’t want to see where I am sleeping tonight….with 8 of my closest friends! 😆
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After a 5-skeeter slap, you deserve the luxuries of a hotel room. Congrats!
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😆 – Yes, that 5-skewer sounds like some sort of record for me!
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