May 10 Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela (Stage 25)

We left about 0630 after having a sumptuous breakfast of toast, jam, sweet roles, oranges, cafe con milk with chocolate, and tea. We started out of town up a small hill with the moon on our left and the sun just beginning to rise on our right. We were surrounded by fields of gold the entire day. We walked around  the Ricobayo reservoir that was only half full . We then saw the impressive ruins of Castrotofate's castle. This castle was the seat of the knights of the order of Santiago. It was the capital of Leon's kingdom in 1176. We continued walking thru the Castilla Leon prairies. We stopped at Granja de Moreruela  for supplies and directions to a small hostel out of town. This is where the Camino de la Plata turns north toward Astorga, and we go north west to Sanabria, and Ourense. We are leaving the Roman Road and moving on to the Camino Sanabres. This road will lead us into the mountains of Galicia. We will be crossing rivers and arroyas and seeing sanctuaries and hermitages. We found our hostel about 3k out of town and had a good lunch of mixed salads, ham, potatoes, chicken, wine with agua gaseosa, bread and ice cream.  Much of the ham and chicken was stuffed into the bread for tomorrow's mid walk meal  Our lunch was 10 euros each and our room was 30 euros. All the hot water we could use was free. Often at the albergues the first users get the hot water. Just one of the many reasons we like to get an early start. The daily temperatures are increasing. We are down to t-shirts and skirts. 

the day just beginning. the moon will shortly be overpowered by the sun

Ruins at Castrotorafe

Wide angle Ruins at Castrotorafe

Ruins at Castrotorafe

 

Road to Granja

The crossroad in Granja  right to Astorga or left to Ourense. Yellow arrows either way

Hostel outside Granja on the way to Astorga