We stayed in the small village of Hontanas last night…right next to the 14th century church of the Immaculate Conception.  Although we had no internet connection, we had gone to bed confident that our iPhone alarms would wake us promptly at 6:30am.  Not to worry, though…the bells of the church gonged every hour on the hour…all night.  So we slept like babies…wake up every hour…and cry.   The final cruel irony…a rooster crowed at 6:29.  That’s what we get for whining about less-than-perfect WiFi coverage.   Buenos Dias, Hontanas!

So…at least we got off to an early start in the foggy chilliness of the Meseta.  Just as the clouds burned off, we approached the town of Castrojeriz.   The combination of 12th century hilltop castle, 18th century Romanesque church and the sun cutting through the clouds…made me wish…I was a better photographer.

We continue to think the landscape on the Meseta is both mesmerizing and unlike anything we have ever seen.  Although classified as a “high desert plateau”, there is a lot of green.  It may be the time of year…but combined with the prevailing winds…the fields actually appear to be moving.

Tonight we stay in the hamlet of Boadilla de Camino.  There is an interesting structure across from our hotel.  The Rollo de Justicio is a 15th century column where local authorities would judge, condemn and mete out punishment to people who had committed serious crimes.  Sarah took a photo of me there…but was happy to move away from that pillar.