Departed hotel in Torrijos not too long after sunrise at 8:30. It being February, there was an early morning chill but that gave way to a warm sun.
We walked on relatively flat plains enjoying spring colors for 15k to Maqueda with a walled fortress on top of its hill. Surprisingly, it was warm enough to sit outside enjoying our first tea break and first tortilla de patata. Delicious. The locals at the bar were friendly and surprised we had come all the way from Valencia.
At one point we came to a stream. The Friends of Camino Levante Guide said that you usually have to ford the crossing but there seemed to be a narrow path through the bush. A bad idea as I made it dry but with a scratched and bloody arm.
I was struggling a bit feeling lots of pain in my shoulders, back, knee tendons, and hips. We took a break with 5.2k left. Called the police to reserve the municipal accommodation and were told the police closed 3-7 for siesta so if we did not arrive by 3 we would have to wait so we rushed the 5.2 in one hour.
Eventually made it to Escalona. Civil Gardia was closed but guy called local police who drove up 5 minutes later. Very nice guys.
The municipal pilgrim accommodation was a large, tiled room with 4 futons, a microwave and a kettle. But good warm shower so an ample accommodation.
We walked into town and had drinks and Huevos Rojos sitting in the sun at Bar Alberche. A local lady helped us with call to Javier of the parish albergue, in Caldosa de los Vidrios for tomorrow night’s stay.
Back at the room in Escalona, it was a bit chilly but not too bad. After a tough 27K I was happy to have a bed even it was a futon.
Where did you stay in Valencia and from where did you get your pilgrim passport?
We stayed at a hotel in Valencia well off the Camino as it was the middle of Covid. We got our Credentials at San Juan del Hospital Romanesque Church. They also have a Mass each evening and they provide a personal pilgrim’s blessing afterwards. Just a few blocks from the Cathedral.