Bolea to Sarsamarcuello, May 15

 He headed out of Bolea through fruit and nut orchards, and worked our way along the hills toward the small village of Anies.  It's great to be out of the flats and heading into more mountainous terrain.

Anies

Just outside of Anies we saw this very modern house.

 

A few more kilometers through the hills brought us to this view of the Castillo de Loarre.  According to our Spanish friends, it is one of the best restored castles in Europe, and has been the location for a number of films.  Our path stayed below the castle and brought us through the small village of Loarre where we took break for a cool drink and a sandwich.

From there it was only about 4 km more to the village of Sarsamarcuello.  This is a very small place, with no stores at all and a bar only open in the evening.  After a bit of wandering around we found someone who gave us the keys to the albergue.  Did some exploring  around the village for the rest of the afternoon.  Although there are no stores, once a week (fortunately on the day we were there), a couple of trucks come through to sell groceries.  The first had cold items: meats, cheeses, and the like.  The second was filled with fruits and vegetables, so were were able to pick up a few bananas and oranges.

approaching Sarsamarcuello

fruit and vegetable market

We headed over to the bar shortly after it opened at 7.  When we ordered sandwiches, the bartender called home with the order; about ten minutes later he ran home to bring them back.  People were very friendly.  We talked about the weather, the shitty economy and challenges of rural living.  We got some guidance for the next stage of the camino.  The bartender (about 30 years old and with dreadlocks) is a rock climber, and he showed us pictures of the local cliffs.  People insisted we try the local wine (after we'd already had a couple of beers).  A great way to spend the evening.