The start of any day , any venture creates a special type of excitement and anticipation, but the first day, the first Dawn this feeling is multiplied.
A welcome cool dawn –
. Todays Route
Distance: 26 km Walking time: 6 or 7 hours – with breaks
This is the official second stage on the way to Caravaca de la Cruz . It’s referred to as perfect for reflection and contemplation. (I.E. not a lot else going on ) . The stage begins in Murcia and ends 26 kilometres later in Alguazas, crossing a wide swathe of the “huerta” of Murcia.
The first part of the route follows the Malecón – the River Segura flood barrier and handy promenade past the large water wheel which has been preserved in La Ñora village.
But being mindful the irrigation ditches in the orchards leading from the river are pleasant company beneath the hot sun?
The route continues to Molina de Segura and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, a place of worship since the 15th century .
This is my first experience of a “Vía Verde” or green route. The Vía Verde is an environmental project “recycling” the old railway line towards Alguazas.
I pass by this electronics shop on the way …. If this guy can’t get it working – No One Can.
The promenade is clear, and the Dawn views over the city make for a contemplative start.
There’s not a lot along this track until you see a sign for a detour. You’ve always got to be mindful on the Camino what this will mean to your timing and energy later on but as I’ve implied, there’s not a lot to distract you on this section.
So a massive water wheel is defo’ worth a visit. Turn right to La Nora Pilgrim .
. This is not yet 8.30am ……
Better get a move on nevertheless….. I am using WikiLoc as the hiking app for this trip as this Camino does not appear on any of the other major Camino or Hike route apps in any meaningful way……. This means I can take an interesting through Village Route as the approved route along the Banks of the Rio Segura is not offering a lot of interest ATM .
Questions begin to raise themselves, but I will wait for further confirmation . As you will see later on, it will not be my last detour. With good reason.
Making good time – it’s floodplain flatland – so I should . Suns out temperatures are heading up . 
Next up about 1:30 PM. A bit of marching music carries you along as the temperature remains pleasant but the sun still factor 50, Strong
So here’s the question – any original pilgrim trail would not have followed the modern tracks , flood barrage and promenade of the Rio Seguro – So why choose that route for this modern iteration?
Below you will see an average part of the track In fact, these are more interesting bits amongst the high river reeds with the highlights being the bridges. I like a good bridge, so no harm done there.
But that is actually all you would see, unless you were aware that there are more interesting things within a short detour. Go WikiLoc SatNav !
Other than start and end points : The official route actually steers you away at every opportunity from some of the more interesting aspects of this region.
As a random example – Take a sharp right from the Rio Seguro reeds and within 10 minutes you will find yourself here – Molina de Segura – Albirstur.
The echoing of this beautiful chant filled this long, cool village path you see in the picture.
This is the reason you come on Camino.
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A way to go and it’s past 2.00pm – longer than I normally like to be on the trail the heat + exercise makes this feel 100 degrees not the balmy 83 it is .
So passing by some rather well executed graffiti — this with a particular message about big Pharma I assume .
I finally arrive at my cool little apartment down a side street in Alguazas . It’s got everything I need and the host Maria is fabulous answering all my questions immediately by text initially and then inviting me over to their new Albergue for a drink later.
She recommends this bakery/snack bar-that stays open until 10 PM. You can tell you are off the beaten track here. Just take a look at the bill for two beers and a pizza.
I’m “ Nicely Knackerd” – and welcome the sleep .
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