What a difference a day makes. Unsure of what lied ahead, I took pictures of anything even remotely interesting.

I needn’t have worried but to hedge my bets, I did take the more scenic route.

There was no shortage of visual stimulation.

Manmade or otherwise.

Inquisitive or curious.

The view from the stone cross on an elevation, from which you can see the towns of San Justo de la Vega and, a little further, Astorga, is an eye-opener.

Even the murals grab your attention.

Then, the Palace of Gaudí Astorga.

And it’s view from the roof, of the cathedral and even snow in the distant mountain.

The stained glass is breathtaking but not quite as startling as my need of a haircut.

In hopes of beating the rain, I got an early start.

It was paying off but it looked like it might start raining at any moment.

I started picking up the pace.

I tried to remember to take pictures and enjoy each moment.

A visit to Villamarco was tempting but at almost a kilometer off path, it wasn’t worth risking.

It rained steadily for hours after I arrived. Sadly, I stayed huddled indoors trying to stay warm and dry.

The forecast said more rain and it sure looked like it would be accurate as I was leaving Sahagún.

I did get a late start as I decided to stop at the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina to get a “Carta Peregrina” but it was only going to be a 10k day.

Due to the rain, shorter distance, and endless fields of grain, I took few pictures. The Ermita de la Virgen de Perales welcomes you to Bercianos del Real Camino.

For those that have never stayed in a hostel, here is an example of a preferred set up. Each “pod” at this albergue has a light, outlet, and privacy curtain. Each bunk is sturdy, doesn’t squeak, and you are provided a pillow case and fitted sheet. (I carry a sleeping bag liner.)

It wasn’t intended to be a long day but the rain made it feel like one.

It wasn’t a hard rain and just outside Sahagún it finally let up.

This little bridge is situated just before the Hermitage of the Virgin and the monument symbolizing the midpoint of the Camino de Santiago – Frances.

They sounded more interesting than they looked.

I was still excited to know there was now more path behind me than in front of me.

Happily made it into Sahagún without being soaked.

A few pics from a short stroll around town

including the Arco de San Benito.

Short because of a sudden hail storm.

Dinner at El Arco, specializing in meat, made up for it. The trout soup was both heartwarming and delicious. The burger was fantastic.

Leaving Población de Campos behind.

Revenga de Campos wasn’t very far down the road.

At Villalcázar de Sirga, a quick visit to the Templar church of Santa María la Blanca.

The sixth stage of the 2025 La Vuelta Femenina whizzed by.

Followed shortly thereafter by rain.

It didn’t linger much longer than Carrión de los Condes.

It loomed and grumbled all the way to Calzadilla de la Cueza.

This may have been the best smelling stage of the Camino so far.

It was definitely the longest.

The threat of more rain made it seem endless.

I tried to focus on the bright spots.

A welcoming sight, the cemetery at Calzadilla de la Cueza.

Still dry! Now to locate the hostel.

Beautiful morning leaving Castrojeriz.

Unfortunately, upon leaving town, the day starts with the mountain pass of Mostelares. It doesn’t look like much in this photo but the next 1.25 miles of the trail went up 465 feet.

Of course, after enjoying the view from the top, the backside just went down.

About 7 miles later, Itero de la Vega offered this very welcoming mural.

More nesting storks, wildflowers,

fields,

towns,

other birds,

and hills to view along the way.

Before and after Frómista.

Finally, Población de Campos, population of about 180. Excuse my brevity, it was a long day filled with many miles.

Due to limited availibility of beds and yesterday’s long haul, another short day seemed to be in order, which meant sleeping in.

This region is known for expansive cereal fields. I tried to discern if this was barley or wheat.

The Convent of San Antón makes for a scenic rest stop along the way.

More verdant fields of grains and wildflowers on the way to Castrojeriz.

Then Castrojeriz appears on the horizon.

It’s a pretty town, population of about 780.

It even has the remains of a castle.

The view from my balcony and dinner with friends.