Camino Day Sixteen- Castrojeriz to Formista (16.3 Miles)

Our Wednesday morning in Castrojeriz was very chilly-37 degrees. After another splendid breakfast we were fast walking to our next destination because we had an appointment to keep.

Right out of town we climbed a 12 percent grade hill up to the Alto de Mostelares. Once over the top it was steep downhill for about ten minutes but then a gentle descent to flat Meseta land and cut wheat and hay fields. We came upon some fields of corn as well. Cool and bathed in morning sunlight we walked quickly and made good time. There were only a couple of small villages we passed through and none of the churches were open.

We made a quick stop at the Chapel of San Nicolas. This place has a long history of taking care of pilgrims. There was a small chapel on one end of the building and a six bunkbeds on the other, because it is also now a hostel. It was awesome.

Next we crossed the Puente Fitero Bridge which takes you over the river of the same name.

The last town before Fromista is Boadilla del Camino is where the Rollo de Jusiticia, a 15th century stone column where criminals were chained.

Soon we came to the Canal de Castilla and we walked along it until we crossed over one of the locks into Fromista. We made it to our hotel at 2:15 in time to shower and make our appointment. John had made dinner reservations at 3:45 at a Michelin Restaurant called Hosteria de Los Palmeros. We had the Chef’s Tasting Menu and the wine pairing and it was delicious! We ate roasted peppers and fresh garden tomatoes. We had Chanterelle Mushrooms with oranges and almonds. We tasted Pigeon and we had Lamb’s Brains (like Foie Gras). We sipped several different Spanish Sherries, a white and a red wine. Amazing!

After dinner we walked to the Iglesia San Pedro to listen to the organ music concert occurring.

Two tired pilgrims then made their way back to the really perfect hotel for a good nights sleep-what a blessed day on the Camino.

PS- The day really started with John turning on the Mariners game at 3:40 in the morning. He listens to it with the phone under his pillow. Just when the alarm went off at 6:15 Andres Munoz struck out the last batter in the top of the ninth and the Mariners won and have made the playoffs.