STAGE 9 - SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA to BELORADO

All it could do all day long was RAIN! It wasn't a hard rain, just that constant, irritating drizzle. Couple the rain with wind and you have a pretty miserable situation. HOWEVER, we made the most of the 14+ miles. 

Leaving Santo Domingo de la Calzada you cross a bridge that spans the Oja River. The original bridge was finished around the end of 1046 and was made up of 24 or 25 arches. Its primary purpose was to provide pilgrims passage over the Oja River, especially during seasons of heavy runoff from the nearby mountains. Over the years efforts have been made to maintain the bridge and its integrity. The bridge today is made up of 16 arches and carries cars, trucks and pilgrims in and out of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

The Río Oja

The bridge today. This year there has been some heavy runoff.

The landscape from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado is relatively flat with some gentle up and down hills. The is a rich agricultural area where you see soy, wheat, and rapeseed growing in abundance. There are a few small (very small) towns that appear along the Camino, but few of much consequence. Here is what we saw today...

This one of my favorite views from Grañon looking out over the valley and hills. 

Looking back towards Grañon

Redecilla del Camino

These two pictures are from Viloria de Rioja, the birthplace of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. There isn't much here but they are very proud of their saint.

As you can see, I didn't get many photos today. It was just too wet and we were just too cold! Times like this cause you to reflect on all the blessings and comforts that we take for granted; a warm home, shelter from the cold and wind, bathrooms, food.... You get a whole new perspective on life when you walk the Camino.