Longest day yet, 30.7km.

We set out at 6:30 this morning from Terradillos de los Templarios. We had a choice today as the path splits just over half way, 26.9km to Calzadilla de los Hermanillos or 30.7km to El Burgo Ranero. We chose the latter as it means a shorter walk tomorrow, well it should but I will come to that later.

As we left so early our albergue wasn´t serving breakfast yet so we set off on an empty stomach in the dark. I have never seen so many stars before in my life, it was so amazing. I saw my 4th shooting star of this trip. We found somewhere serving breakfast after 3.2km, despite it being a Sunday so we were very happy. It was so expensive though, 3.50 for two slices of toast and a bit of cheese. We walked in silence for most of the day, I think we have ran out of things to say. Having spent over 2 weeks together constantly I think we are at that point where you begin to annoy each other which is a shame so I have made a decision, but again I shall come to this later. So the walk was easy today as it was completely flat but mentally it was difficult. The path ran all day at the side of a road on a gravel path, the scenery was the same all the way apart from a few km through Sahagun city. We made a real good pace though, I think to just get off this mind numbing pathway. I cannot wait to walk through changing scenery again. These flat fields and perfectly straight paths really drain your energy. Due to the expensive breakfast (I had more than just the 3.50) I couldn´t afford a proper lunch so I had a pack of crisps and a cake, luckily I wasn´t hungry anyway.

So this albergue is nice, a building made out of mud and straw. Basic facilities but it is clean and friendly. My water had ran out and they greeted me with a glass of water. My dark blue boots are now white with dust which is funny. So the plan is to just chill tonight now until dinner, I will be hungry on the evening for once.

So tomorrows stage is 18.8km but I am considering going ahead on my own, I really feel that I need to walk this last 2 weeks by myself again. I rely on Nadia too much at times and it is as if I am not here on my own anymore. So I plan to either go 28.2km tomorrow to an albergue just outside Leon and then do 30.6km the day after which will put me ahead a day and put me by myself. If however after this 28.2km I feel strong I will add another 9.2km on to end the day in Leon, following the regular stages the days after which would again put me a day ahead. I think I could manage this thought it would be the furthest I have walked yet, lots of rests and taking it slow would see me into Leon I think. I shall see though, I may not decide to do it at all or I may split it over two days like I said. It feels like this is something I have to do, not looking forward to telling Nadia though but she should understand.

Thank you all for your comments, they help more than you can imagine. I am aware that I have not been away that long and I guess you won´t understand when I say that I am missing you all like crazy. On the Camino time seems so different, it really feels like I have been away months. Me and Nadia struggle to remember where we stayed just a few days ago. Starting in St. Jean seems like a life time ago, I have come so far. So I know it seems silly to say that I am missing you but it really feels like I have been away for so long. It is very strange. I guess walking just makes you more aware of the present and of the passage of time, stretching it out rather than compressing it like I am used to when watching tv for hours.

Thanks again, the comments really help.

Distances walked so far:

DAY - MILES
1 - 5
2 - 10.6
3 - 17
4 - 13
5 - 13
6 - 13.6
7 - 13.1
8 - 17.8
9 - 18.7
10 - 13
11 - 14.2
12 - 17
13 - 13.9
14 - 13
15 - 12.6
16 - 15.7
17 - 12.7
18 - 16.7
19 - 19

I thought I would add this, I wrote it in my diary the other night and I was impressed. Walking day after day, I must have thought I was up to the task to have dared to come here but it is crazy to think that I have actually been capable of it, well half of it. Roll on Santiago.

@Mom - I hope your cold gets better, glad dad is looking after you. My cold is clearing up now, just a really noisy cough. Excited to see you all upon my arrival, not sure how or when but I am looking forward to it. Give Emma lots of kisses for me, and the others too if you dare kiss Mark.

Adios.