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.

A few poppies – millions more to come

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!