Day 11 - Santo Domingo de Calzada to Belorado

We loaded our backpacks in the "boot room" where the light was on.  This room had a floor built like the Roman roads - stones upended that paralyzed your feet!  We set off in the rain so ponchos over us and our packs were a must. We stopped at the first bar for cafe con leche and then headed out of town.  The drizzle continued for some time but we were fortunate that there was no downpour.  Granon, was totally closed as it was Sunday, so we went on to Redecilla del Camino where we had Tortilla patate (Pat's breakfast of Champions) at a Beautiful Hotel Rural. 

We stopped into a Medieval church and the sight took our breath away. Here in a very plain building was the most magnificent altarpiece! 

We ate lunch on a bench in Vilamayor del Rio and stopped into Restaurant Leon for tea. This was an absolutely fabulously decorated restaurant, probably five star gourmet with local wines, jams, marmalades, artisanal chocolates and cheeses.  We do hope to go back there for dinner one day! 

We arrived in Belorado and found a warm welcome at Alberge Cuatro Cantonese a family run business.  The pool was too cool but we warmed ourselves by the fire in the kitchen. We had arrived too late for warm showers!  The pilgrim's meal was excellent and our new German friends - father and son were delightful table companions. The evening ended in loud  cheering chants by a dozen Pilgrims of varying nationalities.  A send off for fellow bikers in our group. Another fun night on the Camino.