Wednesday 18th May 2022 – Day 20 – Calzadilla de los Hermanillos – Mansilla de las Mulas – 23.6km

Back to our 6am start this morning. The first 11 miles were across the flat meseta Virtually a straight old Roman road. The ironic fact is that the original road would have been superior to the more rubble strewn road it is now. As we walked without seeing a living soul, car, or habitation Susan remarked that we were walking on the wrong side of the road, ie not facing the non-existent cars. I said she had missed her vocation as she would have made a great offshore safety advisor! We arrived in the first town just before 10, desperate for a toilet stop and then struggled to find a cafe. Fortunately we did so, as Susan was on the point of asking the first person she saw to use their bathroom! Walked into our destination arriving arising midday but unable to get into our apartment to 2pm – dangerous! Couple of beers while Susan shopped for a meal in the apartment for tonight. Met a lovely chap from London called Steve. He told us a funny story involving the Scottish guy we met a few days ago, Mike. Steve’s pal had left a good pair of trousers on the washing line at the Hostal where he was staying. As Mike was a day behind they text him a photo of the trousers and details of the Hostal and asked him to see if they were still about. Mike turns up, shows the Hostal owner the photo and quickly realizes that the guy is actually wearing the trousers in question! He obviously
gave him the trousers but was quite unapologetic saying he always wore clothes that had been left.
Laura let us into the apartment at 2.30. It is really nice, overlooking a small plaza. A lazy afternoon and then a drink in the bar and bakery combined below the flat. Pete and Pat turned up so we had a drink with them. Susan made a salad for tea