Our day began a little later than usual. With only 20km to do today, we didn’t feel the need to rush. The lovely Carmen, owner of the hotel we were staying in, made us coffee and cake for breakfast. She was delightful, and such a hard worker! She was up late last night tending to guests and watering her beautiful garden, and here she was this morning looking after us.

It was cooler today, a welcome relief from the heat of the past few days. We took the river route. It was peaceful and reflective. I chose Simon + Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park album to listen to. It’s one of my favourites.

In spite of the beauty around me and the great company, walking seemed tough but there was no real reason why.

We arrived at Carrion and checked into our accommodation. A private hostal. A special treat was getting our washing done for us and delivered all nicely folded. The small things that bring joy on Camino!

After a shower and siesta we ventured out to see the Singing Nuns. 5 gorgeous young women from a local convent who hold a sing a long for pilgrims every evening.We sang Amazing Grace, Country Roads (John Denver) & the Spanish version of Hallelujah. Pilgrims were invited to sing a song from their own country, and a Taiwanese man stood and sang a beautiful song in his own language. It was very special.

At the end of the concert (‘I’m sorry,’ one of them explained, ‘we have to finish now we must get ready for mass’) they told us all that if there was any we needed during our stay in their town, just to call them and they would help. The kindness of strangers again does me in.

We decided to go to Mass. At the end of mass the priest called up all the pilgrims & gave each of us a blessing. Tears flowed freely then. It was very moving.

We ended the day with a home prepared meal of tortilla + salad + wine.
it turned out to be a perfect day.