Castelblanco de los Arroyos to Zafra

Some days have passed since I posted something. You'd think I had loads of time! And you'd probably be right! But not so much once time showering and washing clothes etc. Not to mention the energy this all takes! 

Ruins of some man's castle

These days have been spent walking through the countryside from Guillena to Zafra. We left Guillena early mainly because everyone was scared there weren't enough bunks in the next town - Castelblanco. The walk was fine - rolling countryside cultivated with orange groves and the occasional herd of cows (large light brown ones - not for milking I think). We were the first to arrive in Castelblanco. It was quite early so we had a couple of beers at the neighboring bar. We'd already left our packs at the albergue which was then locked until two o'clock. It was very pleasant in the sun too!

Castelblanco de Los Arroyos - Mudejar Style

The next day we left early - to get 16kms on a roadside out of the way before it got too hot. Eventually the trail  turns into Nature Park Sierra Norte. This was a very nice walk on a wide track among cork trees and then towards the end pine trees that were shaped like lollipops! The end of the 29kms was a gutbusting haul up a hill that felt like climbing Mt Kaukau and Ngaio Gorge combined!

Early morning in Nature Park Sierra Norte

At the entrance to the town we were accosted by a chap to stay in his private albergue, but forewarned we headed onto the municipal one, which was great!

Walker who moves stop and watch how life passes by

Almadén de la Plata

The next day we did a bit of a marathon. We went 38kms to Monasterio. First town we encountered was Real de la Jarra - complete with not one but two castles! 

El Real de la Jara

This is the border between Seville province and Extremadura, so that might explain the castles.

The other castle - Extremadura 

The hill just before Monasterio - we walked from the far hills!

We forged ahead to Monasterio, where we lodged in the parish albergue. It turned out that the volunteer who received us was the parish priest! Which I only discovered when he charged out onto the altar at Mass!!!

The last hill before Monasterio

The dehesa multi-agricultural/agrarian land use (cork/olive/acorn trees above, pigs/sheep/cattle/goats below and occasional crops too

Day 5 saw us hiking the 22kms to Fuente de Cantos. This was a hard slog. I think due to the long day previously. We stayed in a private albergue - beds not bunks!!! I slept for 10 hours! I have a bit of an issue with some blisters - due I think to changing the inner soles of my boots. I may need to take a day's rest soon to let them recover.

The rolling downs of Extremadura 

I'm now in Zafra, 25kms on. Again the trail was through tranquil countryside - mostly planted with crops and the occasional black pig farm. It's been showery on and off today - nothing too bad, but a bit annoying. 

On the way to Zafra

We stopped off in Puebla de Sancho Perez for lunch in a bar. A huge sandwich with chips, beer and coffee for about $12.00!

Pilgrim Sandwich 

Arrived at the albergue and have cleaned up and I'm now putting my feet up!