Madrid Camino Day 6 – Segovia to Añe
May 13, 2017
Wow – a ton of weather today! High winds, cold driving rain, beautiful hot sunshine and, to top it all off, a hailstorm. Fortunately I am prepared for most eventualities, so despite the constantly changing weather, I stayed warm and dry and just so dammed cheerful I could barely stand myself.
I slept in a bit this morning, seeing as how last night was to be my final hotel for awhile. And it was a nice one. There was a payment issue with the website but it was all worked out by the cheerful and helpful staff and I left a very happy customer.
It had stormed violently all night and the skies were threatening again this morning. Luckily, I was prepared for anything – which was, of course, what I got.
The walk out of Segovia was downhill and beautiful, with dramatic views of the city’s extraordinary architecture. Then, there was a strenuous uphill climb for 2 kms. I passed the ancient Templar church of Vera Cruz. It was designed after the Holy Sepulchre and was built to house a piece of the true cross, which is now housed in a nearby village church.
The remainder of the 20 km walk was fairly level and outstandingly beautiful.
The gravel road passed through cultivated fields where a huge storm loomed large and eventually unleashed itself . Wow. Thunder and lightning and pelting rain. But I stayed warm and dry in my gear – Marmot rain coat and pants. No problem.
The well marked route took me through a couple of small towns, like Los Huertos, but I didn’t see anyone out in the foul weather. Passed some farms. Crossed through massive pine forests being tapped for resin. Walked along an abandoned railway track for about 5kms and I must say it was my favourite part of the walk to date. Sunny and peaceful by then.
Passing a sheep farm, I saw a newborn baby sheep not 5 minutes old.
Later, I rested and took shelter from a hailstorm in the porch of a rural church that apparently has kept its porch open as shelter for pilgrims for more than 6 centuries.
Made it to Añe after 6 hours walking. My favorite day so far. My heart is full.
I am in my first albergue – a hostel for pilgrims – and I am alone. There are twelve beds, a small kitchenette, hot showers, clean toilets and bedding. I tidied and swept while a horrific storm raged outside. Cleaning the albergue was the least I could do as the woman who gave me the key wouldn’t accept payment.
More vicious storms passed over through the night, but I stayed snug and dry and warm.