Aldeaneuvo del Camino to Calzada de bejar 22km

Our lovely hostel filled up very quickly yesterday and I had the last arrival on the bunk above. He made lots of noise turned on the lights and then went out when we were all trying to go to sleep. It happens. I have been a late entrant when others are asleep but I have tried to just sneak into bed as quietly as possible. We think it was his wallet I found on the floor this morning when we were leaving.

Looking back over Banos de Montemayor

We set off for Calzada de Bejar and today we left the region of Extramadura and entered the region of Castille y Leon.  Everything changed quite dramatically. The signs changed from hito boxes with the Caparra arch to neat yellow triangles on wooden poles. There is a lot made about the Roman roads and roman milestones are frequently along the path. Also the sign for the Via de la Plata is different. We are climbing into the mountains now and the trees and terrain are so different. 

New signs

The area seems reminiscent of Galicia with stone houses rather than white rendered homes. The farms seem much smaller and the livestock is less numerous. It was really lovely walking through dappled sunshine under trees and down country lanes lined with the inevitable stone fences.

This was a gorgeous spot with roman road over a beautiful stream. Perfect for a camping weekend. Note the stones marking the road side on the right.

Before that part we had to walk along the main road on and off but it wasn't busy. Biggest issue for me was finding a private spot for a pit stop. Peter jokingly tells me not to fall in a ditch and walks on. Well I Dash into the only side lane with reasonable cover and just as I disrobe my foot slips into a hole and I go over like a beetle  on its back. ( I don't usually remove my pack). Well what a dilemma. I have to roll onto my knees to get upright and in the process a couple of cars pass by. My only consolation is that they saw my backside and not my face! With dignity in shreds I get upright and dressed. And head off once again, making sure all passing traffic is gone. You have to laugh but I know Irene knows how I felt. Without further mishap I catch the guys and we stop for hot chocolate in Banos de Montemayor.  Later as I trundle up the roman road that leads out of town I lose one of the stoppers off my stick.  It has managed 448kms so I won't complain. One of the little 2€ shops will have a replacement.
I packed my bag differently today and by the time we are nearly at our destination I have a cramp in my side. I check that I am not having a heart attack and then shuffle the pack around on my back a little and the cramp eases. I haven't had this before so it is being packed the usual way in future. We reach the Hostal Soraya and meet up with the Aussies and others we haven't seen for a few days.  We eat lunch today because the dinners are so huge and we can't sleep. This is an old town but very small and not much happening.

 The bunks are squashed in at the Hostal and I am sleeping cheek by jowl with a Spanish cyclist tonight. I felt a bit uncomfortable about him but he seems okay after I have spoken with him. The Hostal owner has two cute dogs. One is a puppy and looks like a little bear. I just love it.