Camino Via de la Plata, VdlP: May 12 Tabara to Santa Marta de Tera (Stage 27)

Leaving Tabara 6:00 AM

We left our small albergue at about 6 . It was both cool and beautiful walking through the town down to our Camino . Once again we walked through fields of grain and grazing land. We got to a small town by the name of Villanueva de Peras and stopped for breakfast. It was about 10 We stopped at Mona's bar. Stu had his cafe con leche and I had hot water. We also had toast with local honey. It was delicious. We set out walking again and passed fields of grape vines and wine cellars built into the hill. After climbing and then descending a steep hill, we entered the small city of Santa Maria de Croya. We crossed the river bridge arriving at our destination, Santa Marta. At the local bar, we were directed to the albergue which was just across the street. It is a small one. There are 5 separate beds in the main room along with tables and chairs and a microwave. There is one more room that has 4 mattresses on the floor. There are 2 bathrooms with hot showers. Once again there is no charge. They ask for a 5€ be put in a metal box. We went over to the church which was built in the 12 century . It is a national artistic and historical monument. The caretaker stamped our credentials and promised to show us the church at 1800. She sent her daughter, Marta, who was riding her bike with us to find the grocery store. It was closed. Marta wasn't fazed. She rode around the back of the store, disappeared through a door and just as quickly the front door was opened. Marta just happened to be the store owner's niece. The people of the villages are always so accommodating. We found this true last year when walking the Camino Frances.