Ledigos to Bercianos del Real Camino, 17.5 miles

Woke up to rain this morning, and as I walked across the courtyard to breakfast I couldn't help but think, "not another day in the rain." Fortunately I did not get rained upon at all. I had my poncho ready to put on at a moment's notice but never had to use it. That being said, it was definitely not sunny though. Another cool morning at 45 degrees and probably only warmed up to 55 or so all day. I suppose we're lucky to have this kind of weather though versus the normal very hot days that the Meseta is known for.

The albergues usually provide a pilgrims breakfast which is very plain but satisfactory and appreciated. However, this morning's breakfast was gourmet comparatively speaking. Scrambled eggs, avocado, yogurt, granola, pastries, fruit — it was wonderful. The picture may not look that impressive but, believe me, it was the best I've had so far.

It was an exciting day because those of us that started in St Jean Pied de Port were able to get a Certificate of Completion of half the Camino de Santiago. We climbed a very steep hill up to a very imposing building called El Santuario de La Peregrina de Sahagún at which point we entered a very small office and presented our Camino Passport.

The man in the office then checked our passport for stamps along the route up to that point and if all were there then we received our certificate.

Mary and I are in the same albergue tonight but different rooms. I'm in a room with three other women but Mary is in a room with eleven other people. We had a great late lunch here consisting of pasta and grilled chicken.

Today, other than the halfway certificate, was fairly uneventful. However, every day now I wake up with a huge smile on my face and look forward to the day ahead.