Carrion de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios (Camino de Santiago)

May 23 We had hoped to get an early start this morning but the nuns keep the exit doors locked until 6am. It was 6:30 before we were walking out of town. I had plenty of energy today with yesterday being very relaxing and actually having a good night’s sleep, and not much wine drinking. I kept a fast steady pace all day on the nearly flat trail which allowed me the pleasure of hiking alone. My mind wandered through a long list of issues. Hours melted together as my path merged onto an ancient Roman road, perfectly engineered in its straightness. There were fewer song birds today but now and then one would appear and do a short performance. Eventually a village appeared and I was able to get a boost from some weak coffee.  We finished the days 16.7 miles walk in five hours. Terradillos de los Templarios has a population of 80 and no cafes or mercados but one lovely private alberque in which we were able to book a room for nine euro each. The accommodations provided a room for the four of us with a private bathroom. We had the whole afternoon to spend sitting in the sun, doing hand laundry in the outside sink, sipping red wine and devouring several bowls of large olives. Journal: “Had the day to work through so many personal issues. I have understood how taking one out of normal life routine allows the distance to reflect and I have done a great amount of that so far on this walk. Personal relationships are reviewed, moments spent with friends and family who are no longer alive are relived, actions are reevaluated and personal forgiveness to oneself is allowed.”