Carrión de Condes to Ledigos - The Halfway Point

Since it was a shorter day mileage-wise, I waited until 8:00 when a store opened so I could get another hat. Not only did I find the perfect hat but purchased a long-sleeved sun shirt, so now I will actually have a different color on in my pictures.

It was mid-40s when I left town, so I bundled up with jacket, gloves, and buff.

A buff is a wonderful thing. I used it this morning to put around my head to keep my ears warm and last night used it as an eye mask. It's so useful in so many ways—put it around your neck to prevent sunburn, use it as a headband to keep your hair out of your face.

After the first few hours it warmed up enough to remove all the accessories and switch to my new hat.

I should tell you that it was very overcast all morning with ominous-looking dark clouds, but up to that point, no rain.

But the rain finally did start, and hard. Again everyone got their ponchos on and we were once again dodging puddles. The difference today though was it did not stop. It poured for the next four hours with lots of thunder and lightning, and we were just there in the middle of the Meseta with no possible escape from it. For a short time it was hailing.

But once again, you just keep walking. No one is miserable, you're not particularly cold, you stay dry and accept the rain. I actually kind of enjoyed it and found the whole morning rather peaceful.

Mary from Carmel and I keep running into each other, so we walked together off and on today. We are staying in the same albergue tonight so will have dinner together a little later. I met a nice man, Bob from Salt Lake City, and we walked together for about an hour.

My room for the night is like all of the others—very clean and nice, comfortable, the owners are friendly and helpful. My room has an electric kettle to heat water in and tea bags. I am in heaven.

The town I am in tonight is Ledigos, population 66.

These are for the most part tiny little villages along the Camino. Ledigos is also known as the official halfway point of the Camino from Saint Jean to Santiago. It seems impossible that I have walked half of the Camino already, although I am continuing on to Finisterre, about another five days past Santiago.

There seems to be no sense of time here.

Buen Camino