Day 39 - Calzada de Bejar - Fuenterroble de Salvatierra

We were not very happy with the prices being charged at the Albergue for breakfast and so we decided to take our chances and seek somewhere en route. On exiting the village we noticed once again the balconies which the houses display, some dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.   Our first stop at Valverde de Valdecasa provided a bar which unfortunately for us closes on Tuesdays!  Finally we found one in Valdecasa where we were able to have a lovely coffee!  As you can see we value our small pleasures!

Continuing on our journey we criss-crossed all the way with our friends from France and Italy.  The path was somewhat like yesterday and climbed gradually and at times quite sharply to about 3000 feet.  My left foot has been troubling me today again and we are quite worried about tomorrow when we have to walk over 18 miles plus we have to climb the “Pico de la Duena” at 3600 feet!  Wish us luck.

Along the way we came across a plaque placed there by the winners of the Spanish Women’s Basketball League in 1996.  This brought back memories for Ana Maria who used to play Basketball for the Argentine National Team and also for one of the top Spanish teams when we lived in Madrid.  along the way Robert had to stop to have his customary chat with some animal or other, this time a beautiful horse!

With about one mile to go it tarted raining and we had to quickly don our ponchos which we had kept handy as the storm clouds gathered!.  At around 12.30p.m. we arrived at the Albergue Fuenterroble de Salvatierra.  The chief Hospitalero here is the legendary Fr. Blas who is well known throughout the Via de La Plata.  Our dorm is now full with 18 pilgrims with others coming in all the time to fill the other dorms.