Day 12 walking. Short walk to Grañon 3 May

Beautiful morning, cool, cloudy, but no rain. Perfect for walking. Set off after breakfast in our lodgings.... another colourful affair with our host and all 11 guests. Solo cafe y tostada. But it was interesting.

It's always an ordeal packing up, getting downstairs with packs, then putting boots on last thing before walking out the door. Got about 1km down the road and Lex remembered our walking poles. Dammmmn. Probably lucky we weren't further down the road.

I got them Jude, no worries.

But Lex went back for them. Good isn't he! The exit/entry to Cirueña reminded us of our home town....  metal sculptures in the round-about.

Beautiful morning to share the walk with others. Delighted today to talk with family and friends. Thanks Karen, and Lac and Katrina for taking our call. It is sooo amazing to talk and share the journey - makes us feel that we are not so far away after all. Wonderful way to pass even just a few kilometres.... Thank you.
Road was freshly graded too. Woohoo, no mud!

Called in at the church at Santo Domingo de Calzada this morning. Actually we always go into churches if they are open, most of them aren't, sadly. This cathedral however has a long story attached, involving roosters and hens.

There's a large exhibition of religious artwork, silver and gold pieces, so there's an admission charge to see it and visit the cathedral. NO bolsas. Didn't mind leaving my pack and poles in their locked room, but really objected to leaving my small bag with passports and valuables. So we emptied contents of small bag into our pockets, leaving the empty bag with our packs.

There's supposed to be chooks kept in the church, didn't see them, but did hear a rooster. Possibly a recording, not sure. It was impressive, but not as impressive as others.

Only walking a short distance today because we had read and heard about another unique Albergue experience here in Grañon. A "must do".  The Albergue is in the attic above the church, which BTW was also open, so we visited, and will probably return for the Pilgrim's Mass tonight.

Sleeping quarters are gym mats on the floor in the attic above the church. Communal meal is provided, and breakfast. Not sure of costs, possibly donativo. We'll see. We were first ones in, wonder how full it will be later. Looking forward to yet another unique experience.

More from Grañon
Went to Pilgrim's Mass in the church below our sleeping quarters
Dinner at the Albergue. Big group. Potato and chorizo. Much potato, 1 piece of chorizo per plate. But very tasty and plenty of it.
Pierre played guitar. Beautiful sound

Notes to self.

• 14km .  Cirueña to Grañon
• Albergue run by volunteers.  Big crowd here tonight, and sadly some very late comers turned away.
• Donativo - never sure how much to give.  Give what you think it is worth.  Lex was very generous, but the we loved it all.  

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