The Senda

Today we began a stretch of the Senda--kind of a pedestrian version of the Camino    Many call it
Soulless Errors of National Development Agencies !   It is basically a gravel path right next to the highway, meant for convenience I guess, as many tour busses along the way .  One group jumped off their bus, all fresh and hiked about 3km with small packs. When a picnic area came up, the bus was there with their lunch all laid out for them.   Ok, so maybe a bit envious : )    But it is not really very interesting to hike along the highway

But one good thing about it is that we clicked off 30km today!    That's over 18 miles - yeah !!  We stopped about 5km from Carrion de Los Condes because we were tired and it was about to storm.  Wandered around a bit to find the albergue but couldn't find it, so stopped at a bar/ hostal  that had private rooms-- very nice and the best part-- a private bath with a deep soaking bath tub!!   What a luxury after a long day : ).  

So with 4 more days of the Senda ahead we have decided to bus into Leon.   There are a lot of pilgrims doing the Camino and of course there are no "rules".   But many think you must walk every step or you are "cheating".   Or many have a transport take their packs ahead and they walk with just a small daypack.   So everyone has to do their own way and we are happy to take the bus every once and awhile : ).   After tomorrow we will be halfway to Santiago!