Today the game was all about staying dry. With rain predicted, and having done the long mind numbing walk through León’s industrial area previously, I caught the bus to La Virgen del Camino. Here, the industrial wasteland gives way to more natural scenery, although you are walking on asphalt roads for most of the day. I search out the narrow gravel or grass verges on the edge of the road, as anything softer than tar provides some relief to tired feet. The new boots had their first outing today, and considering the circumstances, passed with flying colours. I had my inserts in the boots to start the day but after 2 kms I reverted to the manufacturer’s ones. I think mine caused the boots to lose half a size, and they were a little to tight. ... read more

Today was all about getting to León. I started moving when others in the Albergue made it clear that peaceful sleep was over. Early stirrings usually grow quickly, until the toilet is queued up, the shhing noise of toothbrushes is constant, and, like me, feet are being prepared for the walk ahead. It’s tempting on a short day to cut corners when getting ready, but the damage is already done by the time you’re on the side of the road, often in the dark, trying to tape wet feet (impossible), a job best done in the relative comfort of the Albergue. I set a good pace today and was on the fringe of León by 10.45am. The last hour from there, trudging through hard city streets, was more gruelling than the rest of the walk. The ... read more

I entered the room and there was an Italian, an American, and a Norwegian woman talking on a bed. I know it sounds like the start of one of those corny jokes but this was my bedroom and these were my room mates. The Italian was having relationship problems, was borderline depressed, and had sought counseling from the others. Then I joined in. This man was pining for a woman he had been seeing for 8 months and appeared to be having a ‘ pause’ from him. The reality I learnt was, the woman was married with 2 children and a husband, and Mr Upset was in a long term relationship of 14 years; that is until she learnt of his new love. His long term partner was boring and had become like a mother and ... read more

Today is the last easy day before 3 solid days on the Meseta, concluding in an 18km walk into León. I’m in the Hostel Santiago, in the same room as 2 years ago, only alone. It’s bliss. I even have a bath. I walked out of the albergue today at 6.50, followed by 2 Taiwanese girls who intended on going 34kms. Goodbye and good luck. The prediction is for a hot day and the last 17 kms will have no villages and no shade. My 17kms started with an extended breakfast at a bar I knew opened at 6.30. The initially grumpy owner soon cheered up, and when he learnt I am Australian, went out the back to show me his toy koala and Australian coaster map. Very nice. He was chatty, gave me a gift ... read more

I’m writing this in the Castrojeriz Camino Santiago Park, sitting with a few other older people who are people watching, and brushing away the remaining flies that have not been attracted to me. It’s shady and peaceful and may just be the place to meet like minded elderly folk.Dinner was interesting.Me, 2 Germans,and a bus load of Spanish ladies. One of the German women translated the questions directed to me by an interested Spanish lady. She had a very interesting view of Australia based on a brief visit and I learnt that Japanese people come to Australia to learn English, it’s difficult to tell Chinese and Japanese people apart, and she wanted me to identify the island she visited near the coral reef, where you can surf and grow sugar cane. The young Germans were interpreting ... read more