Stage 1: Sevilla to Guillena 22kms 33C Hot!

We enjoined a nice, but short evening out last night. Time to wander up to get our map books and then stop for a nice tapas meal on the way back. I was able to arrange a photo of an older woman who was all dressed for Festival and sitting happily waiting to be noticed...hard to miss!

Then it was back to the hostel to prepare, but on the way in I met Angela who had just arrived into town from Austrialia. We had connected on line via the Camino Forum and exchanged emails, intending to start together. However, she experienced a delay and will set out Saturday. We had breakfast together and she seems like a delight who also just retired at the end of April. Walked 1,600kms last year...wow! So perhaps we will cross pathes along the journey...the Camino is like that.

Up at 5:45 after a strange night with a loud party on the roof above my room. No problem, I was too excited to sleep very much any way, and we were off walking by 6:30 into the early morning light an hour before sun rise. Through town and across the river, and then along the river bank past horses and flowering bushes. Yes I am not too late for the flowers!

The walk itself was easy, level ground with some small sections of road walking, but largely trails. Everything has just been planted and is beautifully green...and then there are the flowers...

And the Sevilla oranges...will send you some Caitlin:)

The arryos stream crossing that has caused so any problems during high water has had some recent work and it looks like perhap the problem has finally been fixed with culverts added and channelization. 

Long overdue. There might be some happy folks come next rainy season. Water here can be chest high leading to an additional lengthy detour.

A few shots from the day...

 

Arrived into town with a German lady who has a great guide book...the German books are always the best. We found our albergue for the night and went to find some food and a cold beer. 

My humble home for a night...has pillows and the owner greeted me with a hug (I was hot and sweaty) and took my laundry and washed it for free...now that's special. What a gem!

One very satisfied, happy and free peregrino!

But much more importantly, many many congratulations on your acceptance to UBC Caitlin! I'm so proud of you and very, very happy for you:) Hope this was ok to say? Can't wait to connect and hear all about it!