Friday 13 October same only warmer

A day of medieval architecture, long straight roads, territoriality of birds.

Garmin 27 km

The day starts with a view of a 3rd century Starbucks, prototype. PSL not available.

Nearby is the Church of San Martín, started in 1096.  Could not get in.  It is a deconsecrated church that is now an historical monument with lots of tourist travel.   Details under church name in Carrion Los Condes.

The town name does NOT refer to Carrion of the condors; most unfortunately as that is the feeling in the early am.

Soon one runs into a XIII century emitage quite nicely lit, bright sunlight,  by a romanesque window. Ermitage de la virgin del socorro.

We appear to be part of the seven horsemen of the apocalypse. The four original, Ronnie the milkman (Terry Prackett) and the two Boogs.  We are drought wherever we go.  

Another of the long straight roads. A small town in the background.

A story of geese and a donkey.  We stopped for a break at an outdoor garden bar/cafe.  Two geese were wandering about, as well as two ducks (you will hear no more about them) and a donkey behind the bar. 

The donkey ventured out to the garden.  The geese gave chase nipping at the donkey’s heels. The donkey kicked, as they normally do, but the day went to the geese. The donkey retreated to the back and the geese pranced about.

All happened too fast to capture and observe.  Chose the latter. 

The guide books say not to miss this one, pay the 1 euro for lighting the pictures retablo and be amazed.  In Villa azar, transitional Roman to Gothic, XI to XII.

Have not been able to research retablos.  How were they made? Studios making interchangable parts of polychrome and paintings? Custom made?  Of Mexican origin?  Happy to hear, via email or the comments section, information gleaned by readers. 

A view looking rear. 

As I mentioned, an architectural day.  Front view.

Our abode for the night, an old monastery with its converted hotel section. Plus a QB.