Leon (21.7km / 461.3km)

The most challenging day mentally. Dusty, dry land alongside busy roads and industrial areas didn’t provide much to occupy the mind and divert attention from the walk. But, that is a key part of the Camino at times.
There were more impressive examples of irrigation systems and we had breakfast in the lovely town of Mansilla de las Mullas where we had hoped to stay but could not book accommodation. As we left the town we could look back to parts of the ancient town wall.
Arriving in Leon was a major milestone for us. It was the end of 9 consecutive days of walking from Burgos covering 178km. In hindsight it was too much and probably an overreaction to the accommodation issue but it proved what we could do. It wasn’t just the mental side of consecutive walking days but the physical impact.
I say probably too much because walking the last week I’ve witnessed silent acceptance of pain and discomfort from Jane who’s feet have had blister after blister despite all the preventative care. She’s become an expert at blister surgery at the end of each day! Hopefully a day’s rest and a calmer schedule will put an end to that.
Tomorrow we will be playing “Tourist” in Leon and from here we are planning shorter legs and more stops so we can enjoy more of what will be around us.
This evening one of the Franciscan brothers gave us a tour of the church and cloisters of Saint Francis church which is linked to our Albergue. Also a reminder to focus on the spiritual part of the Camino.
This was followed by mass and Pilgrim blessing and then we went for local tapas with Rob (Canadian). The Tapas bar was 100% local and Spanish. Ordering beer was easy - we had a really nice 18/70! Food was a different story. They have the food behind glass and you point at it. They say whatever it is, you look a bit confused so they show you. The first choice he shows me his ribs. Perfecto I thought. Anyway it’s just as well the we like livers! The other dish was “Cayo”. ??? It was lovely and spicy. We googled it when we got home and it turns out idly was “callo” which is tripe stew but it was really good! A really authentic evening! …,Читать далее