After leaving Boadilla del Campo we journeyed 17 miles to Carrion de Los Condes. Along the way we crossed over the 18th century Canal de Castilla. The canal has 50 locks that provided transportation of cultivated crops.

Canal de Castillo

Carrion de Los Condes was once ruled by the Leonese Beni-Gomez family (no relation) who were the Counts of Carrion. Upon arriving in Carrion we found out the locals were celebrating the Fiesta of San Juan. Unbeknownst to us this meant ALL night celebrating. Our room was in the attic of a hotel that backed the village square. The music, cheering and celebrating lasted until 3:30am. We were three tired females the next morning, but we “pulled up our bootstraps” and headed out bright and early ready for another 17 miles to Terradillos de los Templarios.

Stayed in the attic of a hotel in Carrion
Terradillos de los Templarios was a former stong hold of the Knights Templar. The Order of the Knights Templar no longer exists, but the people of Spain believe their spirit is still felt. The Templars protected the pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela.

On the way to Terradillos de los Templarios
Sunday we reached a huge milestone! We crossed through the gates of the halfway mark. Yahoo! Yippy! Hallelujah!

Center of the Camino

Thumbs up! Halfway!๐๐ผ

Monday, we traveled on an ancient Roman road to Mansilla de Las Mulas. It was a bit difficult because the road was covered in river rock. A very uneven surface that caused us to be a little more watchful with our steps.

Roman road
The days have been long and hot with stretches of barren land with little to no shade.

Long, hot and barren
Right now we are missing our Pacific Ocean and a cool breeze. To lift our spirits a little and put a hop in our step, Loretta brought out the legendary Rod and we sang along to Maggie Mae, Hot Legs and Tonight’s the Night. We all love that man.
Today, Tuesday, we arrived in Leon. We’re going to shower up, hopefully get a massage and tour around. There is SO much to see in Leon that we may stay two nights here. We’re a little ahead in our schedule, so it might just work out. Below are some more random photos.

No, not a hobbit house. Used for food storage

Camino sign

Loretta and Deb in front of Iglesias de Santa Maria in Carrion

Breakfast: Tortilla (egg, potato and veggies) cafe solo and bread

Grove of rowed trees. We see trees planted like this throughout the Camino

Walled section of Mansilla de las Mulas

Lunch in Leon!
Congratulations on your halfway point!! What beautiful scenery and photos you are taking to capture your experiences.
Quite impressive!
Keep enjoying!
With love,
Gail
Can’t believe you guys are already halfway there. Enjoy the time in Leon. You have worked hard and deserve some down time. Miss you all!!!!
Love you,
Kathi
Loving living thru you! So amazing! I can only imagine the growth happening for you each day! Love to each of you!
I love following your blog and seeing all the fabulous pictures, I so admire you ladies for doing this! Safe travels and please tell Lanny hello for me!
Way to go! The halfway mark. I just watched The Way so I could try to imagine what you guys are doing. It is amazing. I can’t wait to hear all of your stories. I know there will be many! xoxo~Katie