Templarios to Bercianos del Real Camino

Yesterday's break did me the world of good and it was great to be back out on the trail with the gang again.

It was a gorgeous sunny day and we even spent some time in a park having a picnic.

But today was all about the evening. We were staying in another one of the 'ghost towns' we've been encountering on Camino.

They're villages really, but with no people and where house after house has its shutters closed. You can find the odd place with workmen inside, suggesting that someone is keen to return, but usually the only signs of life are in the albergues.

This particular place was lovely - the whole building was centred around a courtyard and it was the perfect place to chill out with everyone in the sunshine.

Our group were the only guests, and in the evening we had an amazing al fresco dinner in the courtyard - the owner even put up fairy lights around the gazebo for us.

When I imagined being on Camino, my thoughts were always about the days, but there's definitely two sides to this experience - the walking and what goes on after the walking.

We've been enjoying family dinner together now for almost three weeks - the commitment we all have to one another is really amazing.

Night's like tonight, where we shared food and wine together under twinkling lights, celebrated the day's successes and pondered the day ahead, are really special and I don't think any of us are taking them for granted.

The genuine affection we feel for each other has turned us into quite the family.