VDLP 2013 Day 7 - Alcuescar to Aldea del Cano

The trail today was interesting. 

There were times I was walking 

through fields of wildflowers, literally. 

It is a beautiful Camino in the Spring!

If you are following Melanie's app, 

there were again some differences.

 I got to a place out of Alcuescar where the MAIN road 

curved around to the left 

and there was a small dirt path (with a flecha) off to the right (as her app states). 

She says stay on the main road. 

So I did. And guess what? 

 The road made a circular turn, 

passed a hito pointing back to a different trail toward the Camino

 and began heading back to Alcuescar. 

In fact, I met pilgrims coming toward me.

Oooookay! 

 So I turned around and followed the new path by the hito, 

which appeared to be in the correct direction.

 Soon I saw Casas ahead.

But then, 

I decided to stay on the main trail and not turn off to Casas. 

It worked out great. 

At the big highway I turned right and walked about 1/4 mile to the trailhead,

 missing the climb into and out of Casas.

I arrived in Aldea before noon

 and was surprised to find 5 of the 9 best beds 

being saved by a Spanish pilgrim who had bussed here early this morning.

 SAVED!

A few folks who had planned on staying moved on. 

I grabbed a bed.

Then while I was in the bar, 

an official looking dude came in 

to discuss booking the Albergue for workers on the rail and road.

 I understand the are already booking beds up ahead. 

That sucks. 

Several walkers from the forum are having trouble up ahead.

So I'm thinking I may stop at Caceres this year and bus to Pamplona. 

Maybe I will just do the VDLP in stages; 

a little section each year. 

But we will see. 

I tend to change direction with the wind.

I do know I don't have the stamina nor the will to race for beds. 

I'm here to walk. 

 I will decide after the rain stops