Madrid Camino Day 1 – Madrid to Tres Cantos

May 6, 2017.

I walked my first stage of the Madrid Camino today, a relatively short one. Madrid to Tres Cantos. Sunny and cool. Millions of wild flowers carpeting the rolling foothills of the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama. The air smelled of incense. A few cyclists and some folks on horseback, but otherwise my day was spent in solitary contemplation.

The trail was mostly sand and gravel and was clearly marked by yellow arrows, making it very difficult to get lost. I passed farms and riding academies, through suburbs and gorgeous poppy-filled fields. The silence and solitude were immensely enjoyable. I was very glad I had reserved ahead at the Tres Cantos Holiday Inn, as they were fully booked by the time I got there. A welcome luxury on my first day. I have another hotel booked for the end of tomorrow’s walk.

Tres Cantos is a modern construct, built during the Franco era as a satellite to Madrid. After today, I hope to be steeped in history that is not quite so recent.

I feel well. My feet are are in good shape. I’ve done my laundry, had a long bath and stretched my muscles. Now it’s time to head to the Mercado for some food. Looking forward to tomorrow!