Day 12 - Quintanilla del Monte - 25km

Today my guide book said there's a monastery in a cave here with a chicken run at the center of it (it's dedicated to some now-holy guy who had a thing for chickens). But I got there so early the chickens weren't there yet. Early bird missed the gagh.

At some point during today's trip I passed a sign that said "550 km to Santiago the Compostela". That means I had covered 250 km by then, which seems very fitting for the 12th day of my journey :)

Then I found myself surrounded by a heard of sheep. Real ones, not stupid people (Dutch pun). And some time later I ran into this pilgrim from Uruguay who was washing his clothes at a fountain in a town square. Hilarious :) Also, I run into pilgrims from time to time who do their Camino in the opposite direction for some reason. Rather awkward when you think about it.

I'm in tip top shape today, no tribble walking at all, my feet are most eager! Had a break - i.e. a glass of ice-cold Coke - in a town called Redecilla del Camino. I'm sorry I didn't get to see Santo Domingo, I'm told it's a beautiful city, but it just wasn't at a convenient distance for me.

The refugio I had planned to stay at tonight was closed, apparently, so I had to move along to the next town, in the burning sun :s But, all's well that ends well, I found a place to stay tonight in a town that has two buildings and a cow. Talk about the middle of nowhere... Found a cosy little tavern though, run by a friendly lady with two little kids. Sharing my room with a German couple, which is a nice change from speaking English all day.

Once again I'm in dire need of a washing machine, which they have here! Not for my socks though - this time, my pants and shirt may be turned into a bio weapon. I'm convinced: The third world war will be fought shooting pilgrims at the enemy. Ha! :)

Oíche mhaith! (Good night!)