Rung Out Dave stumbled – literally – down the stairs and out onto the street this morning at 7 a.m.. We had stayed in the old church of Saint Juan Bautista in Granon. We were offered loving hugs from the hospitalera but no sello – stamp for our credentials. What no sello? But you do get a hug. And she hugged me again. But I want my sello. I smiled at her and she smiled back at me. When it looked like I was about to get another hug I relented. When I had gone to bed on the thin mattress on the floor that had been supplied as our bed for the night I had turned off my hearing aid, promptly gone to sleep and heard nothing more. No such luck for Rung Out Dave. Every half hour the church bell had struck once and every full hour it had struck the hour. So by seven even after breakfast Rung Out Dave was still half asleep.

Three kilometres later and we were heading into Redecilla del Camino and towards black thunderous looking clouds. I wasn’t too worried as yesterday had looked the same but had cleared to a cool but rainless day. By eight we were passing fields of drooping sunflowers that were still able to smile.

Along the way there is always something new or interesting or different. Met a couple of casual locals.

By eleven we we’re exploring Belorado a town thought to have started out as a Celtic settlement well before the arrival of the Romans. Belorado is situated between the two rivers of Tiron and Verdeancho. Ancient cave dwelling once homes to hermits dot the limestone cliffs which are a backdrop to the town. To the left of the XIVth century church of Santa Maria a modernised cave dwelling.

On our way and following the arrows had us walking over brass plaques of famous people. A nice addition to the city streets.

Belorado s a delightfully interesting town. Large murals of all descriptions cover walls of all descriptions. Nearly out of Belorado and an odd sign on a small wall. Wall-King forward 15 steps then look back. OK. 1,2…14,15. turn. Oh wow.

I walked over this guy sunning himself on the Camino. At the end of the day I told everyone about my encounter with the two meter snake. But now I come to look at the picture I’m thinking maybe it was a tad smaller than that.

We had decided that our stop for the day would be Tosantos one town out of Belorado, a population of 60 with a parochial and a small albergue. We arrived at the albergue to be told that everything was booked out because there was a big party in town. I began to worry. The next town was only two kilometres away but there was only one albergue there and it only had 14 beds. If everyone was being pushed down the line we might not get a bed and have to move on again. For two kilometres I was a little worried and pushed poor Rung Out Dave to the limit. As it was there was no need to worry and we had a great stay at the little albergue with a beautiful host and wonderful Camino friends. So maybe things just work out for the best.

In Villambistia at the San Rogue municipal albergue. And the end of another different day.