Camino Via de la Plata, VdlP: April 19 Cantos to Zafra (Stage 6)

On the road to Zafra

What Stu remembers of this cold dreary day.
Our 6am start from Cantos introduced us to very slight snow flurries. Once the morning light made known the new day, we got ready for light rain. The sky was cheerless. The bright effervescence of yesterday's blue sky and sharp sunshine will hopefully return soon. The weather report calls for light rain, off and on, until clearing Saturday, our arrival date for Merida. Presently, we are in the alberque in Zafra. We upgraded to a private room with its own shower!! What a joy. Our clothes are also celebrating their cleanliness in a machine, instead of being trampled on in the shower.

What Joan Remembers.
We left early at 6 because there were a lot of pilgrims. Yesterday afternoon Mara and I checked for yellow arrows to prepare for our early morning start. There are no arrows in town just outside so you have to check the day before especially if you leave in the dark. We had a few snow flakes and then some rain. We passed through both olive trees and vineyards. There were beautiful green fields. We passed through two towns before Zafra. We got a little lost in the first part of the village. We missed the arrows and had to backtrack with help from a nice Spanish gentleman we corrected our way. We stopped for cafe con leche a few kilometers from Zafra. Stu had two to ensure his final arrival with us. We walked about 25 kms. The next closest place with an aubergue is 20 kms further on. Zafra is a big city with lots of hotels. This is where our companion Mara lives so she will sleep at her home tonight meeting us here at the alberque at 6am to journey on. We are staying at the aubergue. It is very nice and we have pictures of it. We decided to get a double room which is more expensive 15 euros each rather then 10. Lovely private room with a shower. We have just finished a three course home made meal all prepared by George and Mara. How fortunate we met seemingly a long time ago. Both will be remembered for a lifetime. We know soon we will part ways. On our own to solve the challenge of the yellow arrow Way. The girls are out shopping so Stu gets his nap.

The way is stuffed with folks. We are reserving ahead to get rooms at alberques or casa rurals. Fortunately we are with a Brazilian who likes to get up a 6am. We can eat along the way. We thought we wouldn't be all alone. We are way more social than on the Frances. After Marida we will be on are own. Up to this point I just line up at the rear of the foursome encouraging them onward. Joan is having the time of her living sharing with Mara. We will miss her dearly. Isn't that the way of The way?