The day started late, due to jet lag and not wanting to get up to a chilly rainy day. We had inevitable first day fussing and indecision about how to arrange things in our backpacks. I assured MB that it would soon feel like second nature to get up, dressed, stuff things into the pack, and walk out the door.

By the time we were on our way (after breakfast and a spot of shopping in town), the rain had gone away and it was 11 a.m. The day was good although cool and with a headwind. Two light layers under my rain jacket  worked well, and I wore my light gloves most of the day.

We spent a lot of time at the Proserpina Dam and reservoir, which dates to  Roman times. It has undergone rehabilitation several times in the last 2000 years, including major work in the late 1600s.  Some of you will appreciate the challenge it must be to assess the safety of that dam! Documentation is not great.

Archaeological excavation of dam

Downstream distribution

The 16.5 km passed easily, if slowly.

We stopped in Aljucén at a very nice casa rural. There is also an albergue which looks good from the outside. However since there are 2 of us, the €49 price (including breakfast) for a casa rural is more affordable. The person at the first bar (across from the albergue) called Ana, who was busy at the albergue (which she also runs), and she came to take us down the street to her casa rural. It is very cosy with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,  a living room with wood fire. We are the only people here.

We ate dinner at Sergio’s restaurant, where we were the only customers other than family members visiting. Apparently there is one other pilgrim in town tonight but we haven’t seen him yet.

Resting in bed now.