Day 1 on the Camino

Day 1 on the Camino

Last night, I couldn’t wait to get back on the Camino. The yellow arrows that guide the way seemed to be urging us to get started. After walking 22.5 kilometres in six hours today, my enthusiasm might have dipped a little! Janine and I were both relieved when we finally reached our destination and could get off our feet. Putting them up on the wall while laying on the bed is best!

We left our apartment in León at 6:15 AM, the sky still in darkness. The temperature hovered around a cool 13°C—perfect weather for walking. As Janine often says, “We’re walking into the light.” At one point, we stopped at the perfect viewpoint to catch the sunrise, watching as the streaky clouds on the horizon turned a brilliant orange. 

The suburbs of León seemed endless, stretching on and on until, at last, we reached La Virgen del Camino. A very nice café  offered us and several other walkers a much-needed pause for coffee. We shared the usual questions: “Where did you start? Where are you headed?” We even met another lovely couple from Australia. The one with the longest arm was given the job of taking a selfie of us all.

Not long after, we were faced with a choice: take the historic route, which runs parallel to a national highway, or opt for the scenic route, which was 4.2 kilometers longer. We went with the scenic route. After going through urban areas, the trail led through cultivated fields and open countryside, far from the noise and hustle of the city. It was serene at first, but after a while, the monotony began to wear on us.

When we finally reached Oncina de la Valdoncina and saw a sign painted on the road advertising a “BAR,” we couldn’t have been more thrilled. We ordered tortillas, and although I was tempted by the thought of a cold beer, I knew it would drain my energy for the final stretch of our walk. I compromised with a cerveza con limón (half beer with half lemon soda), but even that might have been a mistake. 

There were a couple of things that made today’s walk especially tough. By the time we arrived in Vilar de Mazarife, the temperature had climbed to 28°C and was even higher (33C) later in the afternoon. On top of that, the 22.5 kilometers we covered were more than any of our training hikes back home. The silver lining is that WE DID IT! The next time we walk 22.5 km it will be easier. 👍 😃

Now we’re at Albergue Tío Pepe, right in the heart of the small village of Vilar de Mazarife with a population of 456. There might even be storks judging by the large nests we passed. A refreshing shower and a chance to put my feet up—literally on the wall—were exactly what I needed after today. Our room overlooks a courtyard and across from a lively bar, where laughter and chatter are constant. No matter how loud it gets, I’m sure Janine and I are so tired that we could sleep through a riot!

18 thoughts on “Day 1 on the Camino

  1. The exit from Leon is no fun, but congrats for doing it by such high temperature. When I did it last year there was a festival so high traffic jam but it was fun to see the medieval costumes and stalls of merchants.
    It must make a difference to be together and encourage each other when a bit tired. As you said: you did IT, well done. You will sleep well (I hope).

    1. Definitely it wasn’t a perfect day, but we have to take the bad with the good. We’ve definitely had our fair share of good times. We do hope to have a good night as we’ve set the alarm for 6 AM! ⏰

  2. Thanks for your daily updates Judy. It’s good to know how you are doing and that you have begun your walk. No breaking into the distances gradually for you.
    Your pictures and descriptions are so vivid- we could almost be there. Leaving for Lisbon on Thursday so will be joining you in experiencing those high temps.

    1. Hi Pat, “boa viagem,” and thank you! 😊 I am looking forward to hearing all about your vacation, too! Have a fantastic time in Portugal.

    1. Thank you so much, Jeanne! It’s unbelievable that Janine and I are together after walking virtual caminos since 2021. I’m so glad you are enjoying reading about it. ♥️ I like that Janine writes about our experiences and tells about things I forget to tell about and maybe vice versa.

  3. You deserve the medal for ‘perseverance’ this time Judy. And Janine too – give her my best for all that hard-scape walking in the heat. Hope tomorrow’s an easier day. Here we are enjoying a respite from the heat with showers and the occasional downpour. The gardens are loving it.
    Hugs,
    Maggie

    1. Hi Maggie! I just read your message to Janine about all that walking in the heat we managed to do. Thank you for the medal. Our hard day was followed by an easy, shorter one and we got to our destination by noon while the temperature was bearable. 🙏 😊 It makes a huge difference.

    1. Thank you so much, Elaine and Mac! I’m really glad you are enjoying this. It really is an adventure, because we never know what to expect from one day to the next. Months of planning doesn’t mean things turn out as expected and maybe that’s good. ♥️ Otherwise it wouldn’t be an adventure.

  4. Judy, I love reading your blog. It’s bringing back fond memories, challenges and all, and generates enthusiasm for our next Camino. I will look forward to your future posts. We loved Leon, and Ponferrada was probably our favourite stay on the Frances. Buen Camino. xo

    1. Hi Cyndi! I’m so glad to know you are enjoying reading the blog, that it brings back memories and that it is inspirational. It makes me happy, so thank you. 🙏 😊

  5. Hope you get this. I’ve finally started reading and enjoying your blog. We walked around the Saanich Fair yesterday – EASY compared to your start on the Camino. The food looks great as does the gin. I’ll try to get caught up soon.

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