La Virginia del Camino to Astorga

Yesterday saw us walking from La Virgen del Camino to Villadangos del Paramo. The trail was not to picturesque along this route but the weather was once again spectacular and spirits are high. I keep pinching myself to prove that I am really doing this. With over one hundred kms walked over six days I am feeling great. After a short walk which just flew by as I chatted with fellow pilgrims we were back in Leon which left us time to explore before a guided tour. Pearl and I took the time to explore some of the ancient streets and walked outside the ancient city walls. Was quite a sight to see an ambulance pulled up to an arch in the wall to take a patient into the hospital which is still housed in an ancient building.  Our guided tour took us through the beautiful cathedral which was built in the 13th century and has 125 beautiful stained glass windows. We were blessed with a sunny day so the windows were stunning. To top it off there is an organ festival going on and the organ was being played some while we were inside. It was something that sent shivers down my spine. What lucky timing. Last night we had a group dinner in an old mansion.  Food was delicious and there was a lot of stories and laughter.  

Today we started out in lovely sunshine from Hospital del Orbigo. The beautiful Romanesque bridge out of town is one of the longest and best preserved along the Way dating back to the 13th century and was the location of a famous jousting contest in 1434. The path took us up and down hills through miles of farmland boasting corn and potatoes amongst others. As I walked by an open barn door the farmer came out with plums for us to eat. At another lookout over the city of Asorga a Spanish fellow sat with his guitar singing a song about the Camino. Stopped for a short conversation and he only spoke Spanish. Another of so many special memories. The road into Astorga was steep and hot but we were rewarded by walking directly into our hotel were boots were quickly shed and it was off to the square for a much anticipated clara which is a mixture of beer and lime soda. Very refreshing. I also had a plate of one of the best foie gras I have ever had. When I spoke with Eric soon after I found out that he had sat at the same restaurant the day before and enjoyed the same dish. We really do think alike

Leon cathedral at night

Inside the cathedral

Beautiful stained glass

Stork nests on the bell tower

Bridge out of Hospital del Orbigo

On the trail

Friends make the time fly by

Many pilgrim statues along the Way

Some of them are made in fun

Foie gras. What away to treat myself after the walk and yes I did share with some of my pilgrim friends