The Canal de Castilla was constructed during the last half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. It is one of Spain’s few canals. It was built to transport wheat grain but, when railways were built in the nineteenth century, the canal began to be used as an irrigation system. So we see it today, as we join it for a while on our journey westward. It makes a very pleasant alternative to the route along the road to Frómista.

We are about a week out of La Rioja and the change in landscape is remarkable. Instead of the endless fields of grapevines, that we saw in Rioja, here there is wheat. Miles and miles of it. As far as the eye can see, there are fields after fields of wheat. Of course I had to ask what it was. I wouldn’t know a wheat crop from a banana stalk. But I’m reliably informed that it’s wheat. And all watered through miles Of pipes and channels, fed from the Canal de Castilla. It’s quite a sight.

We have arrived at Carrión de Los Condes and, for the first time, we found the albergue full. The hostel is full. What’s going on? There is a festival going on. That’s what! It is an annual festival of agricultural machinery and equipment. The streets are filled with sparkling new tractors and combined harvesters the size of a building. (Actually, I don’t know what they are, but there bigger than my lawnmower, and they have all sorts of sticky outy, spirally, farmy looking things attached to them). There are also many stands of breads and cakes and meats and cheeses and there are carousels and toy stalls. The whole population is walking the town, despite the cool weather and a wild Saturday night is in store.

Not for me! I’ve been walking all day. I’m heading for bed, now that I’ve found one in a small pension, just off the main square. Let the partying be for those who are celebrating the festival of machinery, designed to take in this years wheat crop.