Holy shit. That was tough.

We stopped at every town before La Meseta. We ate at every stop, terrified of the scarcity that we heard lay before us, even if our backpacks were well equipped with water, ham, cheese, bread and chocolate.

But the last 11 km. of nothing to Hontanas under an unforgiving sun was grueling.

I now have my first blisters on my feet. And Rosan has a swollen ankle.

When Hontanas came into view, it was like a mirage, this little town built into a dip in the earth.

What’s even better was that our albergue was right at the entrance to the town. It was the perfect end to a long day.

I now need to lie down and die.

Accommodation:

San Brigada Albergue, now known as Juan de Yepes Albergue de Peregrinos.

Everything is new and clean. Bunk beds are great, with own light and electric socket. (8 euros per bed.) Each dorm has its own bathroom. (We stayed in an 8-bed room.)

Pilgrim’s dinner or salad, paella, chocolate pudding, brea and wine was 9 euros.

Best part of the albergue was its outside area where everyone hung out in the sun.