Day 33

Vilar de Mazarife to Hospital de Órbigo - 14 kms
13 May 2019

After our accommodation hiccup yesterday we were back on track today, taxi-ing back to and setting off from Vilar de Mazarife where we walked to yesterday. We started out a bit later than we usually do and made our way to Hospital de Órbigo via Villavante on the green route. It may be the green route but it was 100% on roads - very quiet roads though - about four cars and as many tractors passed us. We were entertained and serenaded much of the way by multitudes of little frogs. Their croaks were a cross between what we know as a frog croak and a duck quack. Quite comical.
As we started later than usual we ended up walking in the afternoon heat.
The 13th century bridge, Puente de Órbigo, made walking into Hospital de Órbigo memorable. It is one of the longest and best preserved medieval bridges in Spain. It has quite a legend involving a knight who was turned down by a beautiful lady and how he regained his honour and of his going into Santiago to give thanks.
After showering and getting our washing done we went exploring. While walking around the town, taking everything in, a very helpful local must have decided we looked hungry as he led us quite forcefully and vocally to a restaurant whether we wanted to go there or not. He ushered us right inside and had words with the waiter (perhaps he receives a commission for every customer he brings in). We did have a meal there and the local who took charge of us was quite correct - it was exactly what we needed.
Hospital de Órbigo is one town that we won't forget, it has such a special feel to it.

Setting out from Villar de Mazarife

The drain along the side of the road was home to tiny wee frogs. In mid croak little sacs on each side of their heads puffed out - much like a child blowing bubblegum.

We played 'spot the frog' all along the way.

We don't often see cattle these days

 The irrigation channels were in full flow...

...and many farmers were out on their tractors

We crossed over two canals

After several kilometres of straight road it was exciting to see a corner

...which was followed by another long straight stretch.

This might not look like it but this is Pappy's house. On hot nights he will be able to sleep in the trailer and watch the stars. On wet nights he can sleep underneath and will be sheltered from the rain. He should be happy here shouldn't he girls?  

A canal lock at work.

The first time we've seen an irrigation system working

Walking into Villavante

A local talking to the shopkeeper inside

Prohibido Comer - Forbidden to eat

This looked like young sunflowers. We also saw acres of corn or maize coming up. We hadn't seen sunflowers or maize crops before.

Approaching Hospital de Órbigo

Puente de Órbigo - the bridge into Hospital de Órbigo

The knight. 

Hospital de Órbigo

The restaurant the local chap led us to and our lovely meal there.

Out for an evening stroll