Camino del Norte Day 22

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Today was another short 20km walk from Villalba to Baamonde. We headed south today towards the French Camino Way. It was a wet morning to start with. Before we checked out of our hotel, we visited a local cafe for breakfast. I don’t think the sole trader expected four visitors to request bacon and eggs all at once. He said it would be ready in 20 minutes while he served other regular customers coffee and breakfast. One guy I noticed was having shots of a liqueur and having a go at the poker machine as his start to the day—each to their own.

A rainy street view in a town with both modern and older buildings, showcasing wet pavement and balconies.
Villalba main street

After our bacon and eggs, we returned to the hotel to clean our teeth, pack the bags, and put on the wet weather gear to venture out into the wet to walk the route for today. I had on my parker and waterproof pants today so that my boots would stay dry today. Yesterday I had squelch, squelch going on in my shoes as the water had gotten into my boots. I noticed today that my shoes may have met their demise as cracks are appearing. I think after three Caminos, they may have done their job.

Cyclists navigating a rain-soaked street, wearing bright waterproof gear amidst historic buildings.
A bunch of cyclists heading out as we are
Three people walking down a narrow, wet street, dressed in waterproof gear, with a cloudy sky above.
The other three all set for the wet
A muddy walking path surrounded by trees and under a concrete bridge, indicating damp weather conditions.
We pass under or over the freeway a few times today
A gravel path surrounded by trees, leading past a rustic wooden building with stacked logs and a Camino de Santiago marker.
Old farm buildings with the arrows pointing the way
A muddy pathway lined with greenery and trees under a cloudy sky, showcasing a rural landscape in the midst of a walk on the Camino.
The clouds threatened all day

As I was well dressed for wet weather today, the rain didn’t eventuate. The clouds threatened as we walked, but they decided not to let loose because I was so prepared. Always the way.

Scenic view of a rural path winding through green fields under a cloudy sky.
Farmland and Villalba in the distance to the left
Two hikers walking on a muddy path towards a small village with stone buildings, surrounded by greenery and trees on a cloudy day.
Passing through one of the small towns we came across today
Two hikers walking down a rural road surrounded by greenery and trees, under a cloudy sky.
One of the country lanes we walked on
An old stone house overgrown with foliage, partially hidden behind trees and bushes in a rural setting.
An old farmhouse
A group of hikers walking along a path flanked by trees and a stone wall, with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.

And then there were 5 of us. A guy from Texas, originally from Argentina, decided to walk with us for half the day.

A scenic pathway surrounded by trees, with a Camino de Santiago waymarker visible by the roadside.
Arrows pointing the way all day
A person walking through a concrete underpass, carrying a walking stick and wearing a blue backpack, with another person visible in the distance under natural light.
Heading under the freeway again as we head into Baamonde
A narrow street view lined with old buildings and a sidewalk beside a roadway, under a cloudy sky, indicating a wet day in a small town.
Baamonde, our home for tonight

Once we’d reached Baamonde, it was early in the afternoon, so we decided to meet for a beer and chat at the local bar once we had checked into the hotel. We had some open sandwiches from the bar and a few beers, and before we knew it, a pilgrim from the US had paid our bill. A very kind gesture.

The choices for dinner were minimal, with only one restaurant taking bookings for a 9 pm sitting or a local bar that offered to make us some pizza and pasta at 7:30 pm. Of course, we opted for the latter as it suited us way more. We also get an extra hour’s sleep as the clocks here wind back an hour.

That’s it for today. Tomorrow’s walk is meant to be 41km, but we’re opting to take a cab 15km in, so we will only walk 25km.

Time now to turn in. Thanks for reading, and Buen Camino! 😇

1 comment on “Camino del Norte Day 22”

  1. Wonderful photos James
    Haven’t been able to access your blog, phne probably but was sending msgs with Ron. So love that you are 4 amigos !! And love your commentary. God bless and look after you all. What a Comraderie!!

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