Caldadilla de la Cueza and the Peaceable Kingdom in Moratinos

Tuesday June 25th we walked to the village of Caldadilla de la Cueza. The wind was blowing from behind and helped us with our stride to this 'hardscrabble' pilgrim village. Once there, we settled into the albergue and ate dinner at the only restaurant in town. Dutch and German walkers joined us, including Claus, a Hamburg computer businessman whose daughter plays basketball, and a couple from Holland who were riding their bikes to Santiago from Rotterdam.

Pilgrim friends sip cervezas.

A Deutsch walker played harmonica while Spanish trekkers accompanied him with song.

The Meseta is known for bodegas, or wine cellar storage 'hobbit homes' built into the earth.  

Wednesday morning we walked to Moratinos to the home of Rebekah Scott and Patrick 'Paddy' O'Gara, who moved to Spain in 2006 from Toledo, Ohio, where they worked at the Toledo Blade newspaper. I knew Rebekah from pilgrim forums and had followed her blog, Big Fun in a Tiny Pueblo.

They open their home, called the "Peaceable Kingdom," to pilgrims and also to animals, now numbering 5 dogs, 2 cats, and chickens. Peaceable Kingdom references the well known 19th c. painting by American artist Edward Hicks. 

Dad helped Paddy place a 'book exchange' box at the local church. Parishoners and pilgrims were welcome to take or exchange a good read.

Rebekah and Paddy showed us their bodega, which included old wine barrels. 

Afterwards we ate lunch at a bodega restaurant & then rested at the 'Peaceable' casa, an old adobe Rebekah & Paddy have renovated. There's a charming patio where people & pups can enjoy the sunshine. Later Rebekah served quiche, spinach salad, homemade bread, & gazpacho; Paddy cut melon slices for dessert. 

Our stay at the Peaceable Kingdom with Rebekah, Paddy, and furry friends was a Camino highlight!