Day 28: Just a long, lovely walk

In the many Facebook groups and Internet bulletin boards that I read as we were gearing up for the Camino, a common question was how much training and preparation was necessary. One school of thought – – that I don’t necessarily subscribe to – – claims that no training is necessary; proponents of this theory claim that the Camino is merely a long walk and that it trains you.

Today’s walk, though, from the sleepy farming town of Villavante to the bustling city of Astorga really was just a long, lovely walk.

We had our first morning coffee next to Hospital de Óbrigos’ famous medieval bridge (where a knight once bested 300 other knights in single combat jousting).

After a steady but pleasant climb, we had our morning snack at La Casa de Los Dioses, a donation-based restaurant area where we had some fruit and cookies and played soccer ball fetch with a friendly dog.

We had considered a rest day in Astorga but decided against it since we just had a rest day at in Leon. Since we will only be here for one night and there’s lots to see, we splurged on a fancy hotel that’s right on the cathedral Square and has a balcony that overlooks the bishops palace that was designed by Antoni Gaudí. I have heard other pilgrims say that being on the Camino has helped them simplify their lives and realize how little they need to get by. I am afraid to say that being on the Camino has only reinforced my appreciation of large bathtubs, air conditioning, and large comfortable beds.En savoir plus