June 29
Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino 28.6km
We began our day with one of the most beautiful hikes down a single dirt path through a valley with fields of flowers, wheat, barley, and oats. The contrast of colors was amazing. It was fleece temperatures at the start, but quickly warmed up and we were in short sleeves before the sun got too high. Tortilla Espanola for breakfast after 9km and resupplied our water bottles. Not a cloud in the sky and we are on the meseta. To our surprise when we finished our hike in Boadilla the albergue was very much like a resort. Mowed grass, small swimming pool, decorated courtyard, and shaded patio. All for 6 euros a piece [about $8 each]. Our sleeping arrangement was two rooms of 24 people on bunks next to each other and a bathroom with two showers and two toilets used by both men and women. Do able. This place made a great salad which we were craving. WIFI was spotty and we got no connection. The town was very small, without any markets, etc.  We made a brief visit to the 11th century church. A gentleman there said that the restoration is kept up by the whole community. He said, this community built this church, and when major restoration needed to be done, the whole community worked all day at their jobs, and then worked all night on the church.  The community pride is amazing.  Sometimes I'm almost afraid to ask a question because I know that if I show interest the answer could become a very long history lesson.
Often you read or hear that these days on the meseta are hot, dry, and ugly.  We have not found that to be true.  In fact, we have truly enjoyed them.  Of course, we have been blessed by being here in a year when there has been plentiful rain, and cool temperatures.  We have been getting going a little earlier in the mornings to beat the afternoon heat as it has been getting up in the low 90s, but by then we are about done for the day. Buen Camino.