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First day 'for real' (as Georgie would say). Up at 6ish, simple breakfast and then onward christian soldiers.
I didn't actually think that on my summer holiday I would be getting up earlier than I do for a working day but I am now in the mindset that the earlier we start,the earlier we finish and the greater chance we have of getting a bed at our next stopping point.
We started walking at 7am and had soon found some rhythm getting to Hornillos del Camino by 9am. The weather was perfect and the landscape looks beautiful with dramatic shadows cast by the sun rising. A quick refuel and time to crack on - 8.5km under the belt, 21km to go.
By the time we have got to Hontanas at 11am we have passed more pilgrims than have passed us. Fenton is Wiggins to my Porte - we are a well oiled machine, our pace seemingly increasing with every kilometre.
And then the pain kicks in.
First my shoulder, then heels and by the time we reach Castrojeriz my thighs, aching like I've just ridden Alde D'huez on a Raleigh Chopper. I knew this was going to be tough but it has now dawned on me that 30km is hard. Walking with boots that haven't been properly broken in makes it painful. Doing it with what feels like a small child on my back makes it harder still. And by 10am its 26 degrees. Yeah, didn't really think this one through.
We arrived at Castrojeriz and checked in at a municipal Albergue. It's a hall with 30 beds. This is the bit Aliette finds hard. We have two adjoining lower bunk beds. Two young (hopefully not passionate) Americans are above. I've no problem with that or the French couple next to us but I would bet diamonds that the bloke from Bordeaux snores like Obelix after a big night on the boar.
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Alex Baixas Great start but as you can see ... take it easy. I know of some really tough guys (not marines, ok, but still tough) who had to hit the mat and quit the journey because their feet were killing all the self respect they had. By the way, great post. You definitely got to me with the Obelix and the wild boar reference.