Hola family and friends
Day 4 - and we arrived in Baena after a peaceful and relaxing walk. We didn't get lost today, though there were a few near misses. And we didn't see any other pilgrims. Just a few olive farmers in tractors.
No towns or villages along The Way, just a few solitary houses - some of them abandoned. No chance for a second coffee for me. Lunch was some leftover toast and jam from breakfast and half a cereal bar each - at The Shady Olive cafe. I've included a photo. It was standing room only - but we enjoyed the cool break from the sun.
With few stops we made good time, and arrived at Baena just before 2, having left Alcadeute at 8 this morning. The old town is quite lovely and we enjoyed our stroll this afternoon and aperitif in the park. Looking forward to another wander shortly, to settle on a cafe for dinner.
The highlights today - a small herd of donkeys and a peacock! What beautiful surprises.
We are walking at a good pace, despite The French suffering with a sizeable blister since Day 1. He's treating it with various bits and pieces from our 'farmacia' including my trusty friend, Hikers Wool. It was bothering him particularly yesterday and today but it didn't seem to affect his pace. He doesn't complain. If it were me, well that would be a different story! I have assured him it's no problem to stop a day or two, or get a bus to Córdoba etc, but he just replies 'Nous verrons ca', 'We'll see that'. He tells me he thinks it's getting better.
So I'm pleased we have a shorter walk tomorrow. Castro deal Rio is 20 kms from here. Then not another village or town until Córdoba, 40 kms further on. So we will stick with 20, and prepare ourselves for a very long walk into Cordoba the following day. Yikes!
Time to sign off. Lovely to hear from you Helen (Mum), Martin, Sally, Helen C, Julie and Nicolas, Lilly, Aelwyn and Audrey. Thank you for your news and good wishes.
A bientot. Hasta luego
Jenny and The French. x x x
This morning, looking back to Alcaduete
Baby olives
Nearly missed this yellow arrow in the olive grove.
This one was right in the path
What a beautiful surprise - on The Way.
Then this. Wow!
This photo courtesy of Domi. Gracias
Lunch stop at The Shady Olive Cafe.
End of today's walk. Which ice cream to have? When we arrived in Baena this afternoon, we stopped for an ice cream even before finding somewhere to stay. We were having a few translation difficulties to understand the options. Next thing our kind waiter returned with one of every kind of ice cream on offer, so we could choose. So sweet.
From our Pension window.
Aperitif?
