Blogs from León, Castile & León, Spain, Europe - page 4

Today we rose early, enjoyed the buffet breakfast at Regia Posada, fastened the bagpacks on for the first time in a few days, and wandered down to the bus depot to set Sue on her way on the bus to Marzarife. Tim and I left the Depot at 9.30 am and found the pilgrim trail out of Leon. We spent quite some time walking through suburbia and the industrial fringe of Leon before making a well concealed left turn down a muddy track in order to leave the main road and pass through country villages instead of hiking along the main road. It was overcast and drizzling rain most of the time but we set a pace and stuck to it. We walked through mud, rocky roads and along a few tarred roads so we had ... read more

Leon and Tordesillas Spain on 13 October 2014 Our day started with a Skype call to Sheryl and my sister-in-law Kerry and niece Louise was also there. It was wonderful to see them as well as speak to them. We left Ourense at about 10.00am and after 30 minutes drive, we got to altitude of 800 metres and the fog was very thick. There was ongoing rain as well. As we couldn't get to Adelaide in time for Brian's funeral, we slowed our hurried drive to Madrid. We decided to visit Leon which was 60 kms north from our SE direction to Madrid. Leon was founded as the Roman military encampment around 29 BC. In 910 saw the beginning of one its most prominent historical periods, when it became the capital of the Kingdom of Leon, ... read more

Well, we are now in Leon. A very beautiful and active city of 150,000. Toured the Cathedral which is very beautiful. We are going to stay here 2 days to give our feet a break. We did 2 40 Kuilometer days in a row to gain a day, so we can rrest and really visit the city. Getting here was challenging as at our last albergue inMansilla, there were 3 very vigorous snorers that allowed for little sleep. It rained last night and the morning, we could see our breath but it now sunny and beautiful. we now have 209 miles to Santiago, so we are moving along. Think of you often. Will keep u updated as the Camino progrresses. Physically feeling well and the food is great. Well thats all for now... read more

Well I am now over half way. John andI are aee now in Saragun, a city of 130,ooo. We walked over 40 kilometers today but wanted to stop in a larger city. May last serveral days have been very memorable. First, I feel like a woman as I am on my fourth pair of shoes.I am now hiking in sandals, and they finally feel great. I was in this small town of Castrojeriz, and and old gentleman took one look at my feet and said wear these, and he was right. That town had a castle from the 9thcentury. Had a great dinner there overlooking the plain, the viewwasawesome.Then hiked to Fromista, where the highlight wasthat the priest called all of the pilgrims up and personally blessed each one of us. Then from there went to ... read more

Set off bright and early, though it was very overcast and cold in Santiago, on the 6 hour bus journey southeast to Leon. The route largely follows the Camino, though for awhile we veered off to the towns of A Coruna and Lugo. Had a prime viewing seat, too - right behind the driver. For better or worse, sometimes it's nice not knowing what the driver does, or doesn't do, I loved seeing the scenery change. In Galicia, like I said, it's like Seattle, with lush mountains and lots of rain. This lasted until about the mountain-top town of O Cebriero - which really is like a little hobbit village, with tiny houses, and for some reason really small locals hobbling around. Time does not seem to exist here. From this town you leave the mountains ... read more