Creatures

We are now walking across The Maseta, the expansive, flat plains of central Spain. It will take us approximately 10 days to cross it. Tonight we are in the quaint and historical town of Castrojeriz. We’re looking forward to a communal dinner here that is cooked by the hostelier’s wife followed by a tour of his old press and wine cellar!

Besides forests, streams, rivers, and a plethora of villages we are entertained during our walks by various domesticated animals (we have seen very little wildlife). Herds of sheep, sheep dogs and shepherds have crossed our path. The cows wear bells and are unusually beautiful! Over the Pyrenees we saw horses roaming wild. In some villages we’ve been tricked by caged birds calling out to us. Once we were passed by a pilgrim with a donkey. We thought of primitive times until we noticed the donkey had a GoCam strapped to his pack! Often we’ve watched playful kittens outside of barns or cats scurrying among old stone ruins. The cats are  small and thin here but very cute.

Of course there are dogs who let us pet them which never fails to bring a smile to our faces. Last night at our hostel we met the hostelier’s young lab, Gringo Starr. Isn’t that the greatest name?

Today, we walked through the ruins of San Anton’s monastery. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of animals. So, naturally, I had to stop in for a minute to feel thankful for the animals in our lives; Buck, Dodger, Squirt, Tessy, Ann & Harper, Ella, Sumo, Ally, Sandy, and Rocky. I left a medallion in a niche and put in a request for The Saint to be sure to take good care of our Marley. Sure hope she’s getting to chase lots of rabbits in dog heaven!

Day 16 of walking tomorrow and only about 443 more kilometers to go (about 265 miles)!

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