From the town of frogs (maybe source of that name) to the town of the mules (definitely the source). This used to be the center for mule trading from the 10c on – till I don’t know when. I didn’t see even one mule. I did see some cows on the way, but that probably doesn’t count.
I loved the Camino this morning. I had a great breakfast, then started by 8:30 after being driven back to yesterday’s starting point. Walked alone, cool, bit of a breeze, gorgeous morning. Just a happy walk all the way. I was quiet for the first 3 hours, then listened to Mingyur for the last hour. Here’s me walking, so very Camino on this stretch:
The trees to my left are plane trees, or sycamore trees according to my plant identifier. What was incredible is that they went ALL the way from where I left to within 2 k of the town. And they’re planted for the peregrinos. They provide the most perfect shade and I’m guessing that during the summer that’s worth a lot. Here are 2 shots of the trees, one showing how endless they are and that was just in front of me, the other shows some at dawn with crocheted blankets. I’ve seen signs in a couple of other towns with these crochet pieces saying the town was against violence so nice symbol to see first thing in the morning.
And there’s the view to the right. After I got this shot, the farmer looped back around for the next row and we waived hello. Glad I’m not going over those mountains.
Walked into Mansilla de las Mulas, originally Roman and design of the town with a regular grid reflects its Roman origins. The main feature of the town are the medieval walls, in parts they are 3 meters thick. “The construction is typical of 12th c fortifications in the Terre de Campos, using the Mudejar techniques with clay, brick, and rubble-work.” I learned two terms today, Mudejar are Muslims who managed to stay even during Christian times, and Mozarabic – Christians who are Arabic in the Iberian peninsula. Sadly, even they were forced out – that hill earlier with the wine cellars? That community was Mozarabic and were there until 1609.
When I took the photo of the arch, one of the original gateways, 2 older guys stopped to tell me proudly that it was 12c.
No pictures of churches, but I did go to a mass in the local church when I got to town. A guy was waiting outside and told Beverly and me (we arrived at the same time) to go on in and we did. 43 people plus 6 peregrinos were there which was pretty good for this size church. Per usual, it was beautiful and I really appreciated the altar, Mary and child as the center of the fantastical wall display that is in all these churches. The priest was giving a homily, not just using the book and seemed pretty lively. Made his audience laugh a couple of times, though quietly and respectfully. I thought it was interesting that only 15 took communion.
Nice to see, but no photos this time.
Here’s the statue outside the city, another guy stopped to tell me about it, made all at the same time, I’d thought the post was older, but no. Not sure when it was designed. There’s another guy around the back who’s just draped in exhaustion over the steps. I haven’t seen any of that, but we’re also in good weather and not dying from the heat.
Reb's Walks! 