Day: 12
Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
From: Villalon de Campos To: Grajal de Campos
Distance (Planned): 27.4km Actual (Garmin): 30.9km
Progress: 333/801km
Start Walking: 0613 End: 1256pm Time: 6h43m
Ascent: 124m Descent: 127m
Terrain: Undulating country dirt roads, edge of a main road for about 3km (with not one car going past) and then more canal paths, but no mozzies. Phew!
Weather: Clear and hot with more storms brewing this afternoon.
Stayed At: Albergue Municipal Grajal de Campos – €10.
General Comments:
- It was a bit of a ‘rinse and repeat’ day again today with a few other crops thrown in for good measure. More rolling wheat paddocks stretching to the horizon and then as I got closer to Grajal de Campos, there was irrigated lucerne and numerous paddocks of broadleaf plants which I am assuming are sunflowers. They were seeded quite a distance apart and I am assuming again, that is done to allow them to grow and spread. What a show they will put on in late Summer, early Autumn.
- My friendly yellow arrows kept me honest today, disappearing at random and leading me astray. Thanks goodness, I had the app to help me get back on track and stopped me from walking unnecessary kilometres. Sometimes the local Camino associations design the route to keep you well away from main roads and away from traffic. That is very kind of them, but direct is best, in my book.
- Today was my last full day on the Camino Madrid. I only have about 5km left on this route and then I will be joining the Camino Frances for a couple of days between Sahagun and Leon.
- It has been a really enjoyable walk, full of wonderful scenery and historic towns and villages. It has also been a lot quieter than I expected and it would have been nice to meet a few more people, especially in the albergues at night time. **Remind me of this in a few days if I start complaining about the crowds.
Top Tips:
- Be careful leaving Santarvas de Campos as all the arrows want to send you on the longer route to Melgar. I am sure Melgar is lovely, but I simply don’t need extra k’s tacked on to the end of the day.
- When you get Grajal de Campos, don’t miss Bar Meson de Capas. Great food and great value. They are very friendly and welcoming.
Buen Camino.
Life...one big adventure 
Cracking photos today Mel! Excited for your next camino of the combo. Enjoy your evening. xx
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You have a nice night too. It’s all feeling a bit surreal at the moment. All that thinking and planning for years and now the first stage is over.
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I’ll be sweating it out in a hot yoga room. 😂 But that is a nice night for me. I imagine you’re getting into that deep time … am excited for what the change of pace brings and for the characters you’re yet to meet. What an adventure.
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I think I have done enough sweating each day, no need for yoga! 🤣
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😂😂
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Ps did you know you can get a 1/2 way certificate in Sahagún these days
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Apparently I am eligible to receive a Camino Madrid certificate from an iglesia in Sahagun, but I am sure it will be closed when I walk through in the morning. Same when I get to Oviedo next week. I can get a special San Salvador one if the urge takes me.
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Going well, Mel!
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Ta. About to hit the Frances today and I’m a tad nervous.
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You are just cracking out those kilometres! Go you!
What do you use the pink Decor cup for? (Just out of interest.)
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Only you would notice that! 😁 It is handy to have a microwave mug for a cuppa or a reheated meal in the albergues. They all have microwaves, but few have kettles. I also use it to store my head lamp. Multipurpose!
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Yeah, you set up a lovely arty shot of your backpack and poles with a Camino arrow and I’m like “ooh, what’s that bit of kit you’ve got there?” 😄 Thanks for explaining. Makes sense. Multipurpose is always good!
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😁🤣
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Pardon my ignorance, but do you book the accommodations ahead of time or just show up and hope there’ll be a bed?
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Up to now, I have been letting the albergues know that I am going to be arriving, more to be polite than from and stress about all the beds being taken. I think it is pretty much de rigueur to book ahead on the Camino Frances because it is so busy.
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You’re nearly there! By the time you read it you’ve done it. Great achievement, and you’ve really given me a trip to think about.
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Hold that thought! There are two more very special paths to come. 🥾🚶♀️
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What a lovely morning! Hmm, I just wanna say be careful what you wish for (“few more people”) 😁. I was also wondering about the pink cup … but got the answer above, thanks!
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I hear you! 😁
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Great photos today Mel, lovely clear light. Good luck for the next stage.
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Thanks so much. Again, I have been blessed by clear days of late. More storms this afternoon, but by then I as safely tucked up in the albergue. Long May it continue…
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Yes, your early starts are obviously paying off.
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It works for me and I know it’s not everyone’s favorite time of the day. 🌅🌄🌞
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