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Published: October 9th 2018
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Night time entertainment in the albergue.
I wish I could stick videos on this, as I filmed it and the Italian singing was very expressive and a talented singer. 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 early paths were soft gentle gravel and other than diverting through the first village, on a sign’s promise of breakfast, progress was fast. At one stage my high spirits even had me singing to myself,” I’m going to León town.” to the tune known to Australians as , I’m going to Bonnydoone!
I’m losing it, it was bound to happen.
The other day I was singing in my head, to the last verse of the John Denver tune, You fill up my senses.,
I filled out my census,
With a black pen on paper,
When trying it online,
It dropped out again.
That was on replay in my head for ages, until another effort to the Eagles, Wasted Time, cut in. It was about Camino feet and leg injuries, but I won’t torture you with that one, just yet.
I’m currently in a laundromat trying to breath some life back into socks that have been pulled over taped and vasolined feet for a few days. Hand washing just doesn’t cut it and this is my last opportunity, maybe before Santiago, to soften them up again. I’m wearing the bare essentials so that everything is washed. I’ll drop them in the dryer, and be back.
Back to the walk.
I passed quite a few people today; some Koreans, who just dawdle along, and a couple of guys who looked like they were in a world of pain.
After breakfast, at Casa Blanca near Villarente, I walked on either hard road surfaces,
What’s wrong with this picture?
Do leg braces work as effectively in the outside of your pants? Those poles would be handy to take the load off the legs as well. or climbed steep gravel hills. I really felt for those people at times and can imagine their despair at having to face these challenges.
I remembered most of the Way today and was looking forward to reaching the highway, crossing the large pedestrian bridge, and seeing León for the first time.
The bridge was closed.
The detour entailed a long steep climb, best described as disappointing to say the least, and then a precarious, dangerous descent down a dirt and rubble track , into León. That added about 2kms to the day.
I had a coffee and rang Sue from a bar at the edge of town. Another hours walk and I was nestled in my cosy hideaway, the Hotel Posada Regia.
I’ve done my laundry, freshened up, and am making dinner in my room tonight. Some fruit and a hot chorizo and cheese roll. All alone.
That’s 5star on the Camino. The noise down in the street indicates crowds so I’m staying in.
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Susan Petch
non-member comment
Great Room
Nice room. How much was it for a night?