Memoria del Futuro
- Dad
- May 13, 2018
- 2 min read
We got a sunny and chilly 35°F start this morning out of Santo Domingo. It was an interesting scene walking through town, a mix of fellow pilgrims pulling packs over warm walking gear, and disheveled all night partiers staggering home in the daylight. I had woken at 4am and could still hear the live music coming from the main stage. We felt for the shambling young guys smoking a morning butt and trying to get out of the light, until we had our first breakfast next to four older guys back slapping, cracking fresh beers with their eggs in the cafe. Those guys were pros. (Fist bump to Buen Camino subscriber and Rainier & Eggs fan Peter Nichols.)
There was rain in the afternoon forecast so we set out to beat it, and had a chilly and sunny 14.2 mile walk to Belorado. Looking ahead at Belorado, especially leaving charming and interesting Najera and Santo Domingo, we hadn't planned for a very interesting day on The Way.
We left town over the bridge our hero Domingo had built for people like us (modernized in the 1,000 years since). Another of his miracles is said to have happened here, when he resurrected an unlucky pilgrim who had been trampled by an oxcart. The bridge crosses the river Oja, which is where this region and its delicious primary export get its name: the "Rio Oja".
Sadly we're leaving La Rioja today. We passed into our next region, Spain's largest autonomous community, Castilla y León. It was surprising how immediately the vineyards ended and corn fields began as we crossed this border. Less surprising when you looked closely, the red rocky soil was gone, the hilly pastures turned to vast fields of green crops. The skies stayed clear and the temperature never topped 50°F. Perfect weather for a day of walking.
As stated, we didn't expect much out of the tiny pilgrim outpost of Belorado. We bee-lined for the albergue Ben had picked out, and were greeted warmly by our tremendous host Paul. Paul speaks excellent English ("It is what I studied at University"), his beautiful wife Belmalyn speaks very little. That didn't keep me from having a broken conversation with her about our mutual love of Nicaragua. I've included a little about this couple in the photos below. These guys reset our expectations of Belorado and we had a wonderful time in their adopted little town, which lives up to their description.
Buen Camino
This is a late comment, but Ben, your eyes and eye-brows look like Uncle Mike's ! Weird, right ? . . . . . . the 'rest' of you is Mom and Dad. Not a bad mixture . . .. . This is just a
'grandma' post . . . . . . you can delete it . . . .
This town does look like it surpassed expectations, the square, the churches, the street art, and your hosts all sound fantastic! I want to read that book that they mention, but I can't seem to find the english edition but I'm going to keep looking. You didn't say much about the caves, but I bet there is a deeper story there too, so I started to look into that as well. Guess what I found? Hi Greg! This one is for you, it was a result from Expedia, "If you are looking for Fuentemolinos Cave travel information, Expedia has you covered. When visiting the Belorado area, Expedia can provide you with extensive Fuentemolinos Cave information, as well as great saving…
How I wish Papa King could watch your journey !!!! (Maybe he is ??) You know how much he would have enjoyed following along each day !! He'd keep me on the computer 3 or 4 times a day !!!!!!!!! Thank you for the ability to share with you guys. . . . . priceless. Can't wait for all the stories and see the growth you are experiencing ! Am thinking that you guys are really 'pilgrims' !! Steve: Karen tells me you will, indeed, get the root-canal you need. Anxiously awaiting to hear about it. BUMMER! . . . . . but, you should feel better after it's over.
wow... what an amazing adventure. Your posts bring smiles and leave me jealous and in awe. It sounds like an incredible physical and mental test and you are my one friend that I can say, “of course he is doing this. Of course.” A few thoughts: 1. When did your little boy become such a strong young man? Wow! 2. You two are talented writers and photographers. Carrie and the kids enjoyed reading through everything this weekend. And your Expedia friends say hi! 3. I hadn’t seen the comments and they are fun too. Hi Andrea! :) 4. Hope your tooth is feeling ok.
So... keep going. This is a very special opportunity and I am certain the journey will…