Awoke feeling better for a good night sleep though the Spanish seem to stay out to all hours enjoying the cooler temps as we pilgrims try to get some rest.
Again there were optional routes to avoid the highway and we enjoyed some lovely and varied countryside on our 18km walk to Astorga which is the gateway to the mountains . Not only was I having bladder problems but my Osprey water bladder decided to well and truly chuck in the towel leaking profusely all down my pants (through the back pack ... people must have wondered...pays to have all your gear in dry bags as well) I like the convenience of the water bladder ... access to water as you walk but often you carry way too much weight ... and with a full pack it can squeeze on you back. Anita does not like the possibility of bacteria ... any way its into the bin with the Osprey and into the side pocket with a water bottle...am over the hottest section hopefully so won't be as much of an issue.
As we stopped at a small village along the way we spied a black cat just like our own Mia and snapped an interesting pic with the Camino arrow .. it did make us think of home though .
There are may interesting sights on the Camino and today there were three to mention ...
The first was an interestingly clothed Mannequin that popped up near a memorial cross...that's what happens when pilgrims have time on their hands.(see pic)
The second was highlighted as a drink stop on the path..often there are good Samaritans who set up in remote places for pilgrims to get some food,all for a donation. Hoping to score a cold coke I was to be disappointed but intrigued by what turned out to be a vegetarian mystic believing guy who obviously lived there and provided a service to pilgrims... though questionable hygiene made us take up the offer of a shady rest spot only. (See pic)
Lastly as we dragged ourselves up the final hill into the old part of Astorga and rounded the corner we ran into a Scottish deacon ( trainee priest) of the redemptive order of Mary or some such. Peter was on summer work in Spain working with English speaking pilgrims ... So we got a pic with him and he stamped our credencial.
So there you have it , a surprise around every Corner on the Camino . We also had a final surprise for us in the day arriving at what we thought were reserved accommodation only to find they had no record ... this Is a problem with no paperwork and the language barrier ..but as usual they found us a spot thankfully... so in the end another great & surprised filled day on the Camino.
Ps: Astorga has recently been the site where a pilgrim went missing and warnings given about walking alone into the city. We never saw anything that would give us concern but it is a reminder of the world we live in . even on a very safe Camino.
Again there were optional routes to avoid the highway and we enjoyed some lovely and varied countryside on our 18km walk to Astorga which is the gateway to the mountains . Not only was I having bladder problems but my Osprey water bladder decided to well and truly chuck in the towel leaking profusely all down my pants (through the back pack ... people must have wondered...pays to have all your gear in dry bags as well) I like the convenience of the water bladder ... access to water as you walk but often you carry way too much weight ... and with a full pack it can squeeze on you back. Anita does not like the possibility of bacteria ... any way its into the bin with the Osprey and into the side pocket with a water bottle...am over the hottest section hopefully so won't be as much of an issue.
As we stopped at a small village along the way we spied a black cat just like our own Mia and snapped an interesting pic with the Camino arrow .. it did make us think of home though .
There are may interesting sights on the Camino and today there were three to mention ...
The first was an interestingly clothed Mannequin that popped up near a memorial cross...that's what happens when pilgrims have time on their hands.(see pic)
The second was highlighted as a drink stop on the path..often there are good Samaritans who set up in remote places for pilgrims to get some food,all for a donation. Hoping to score a cold coke I was to be disappointed but intrigued by what turned out to be a vegetarian mystic believing guy who obviously lived there and provided a service to pilgrims... though questionable hygiene made us take up the offer of a shady rest spot only. (See pic)
Lastly as we dragged ourselves up the final hill into the old part of Astorga and rounded the corner we ran into a Scottish deacon ( trainee priest) of the redemptive order of Mary or some such. Peter was on summer work in Spain working with English speaking pilgrims ... So we got a pic with him and he stamped our credencial.
So there you have it , a surprise around every Corner on the Camino . We also had a final surprise for us in the day arriving at what we thought were reserved accommodation only to find they had no record ... this Is a problem with no paperwork and the language barrier ..but as usual they found us a spot thankfully... so in the end another great & surprised filled day on the Camino.
Ps: Astorga has recently been the site where a pilgrim went missing and warnings given about walking alone into the city. We never saw anything that would give us concern but it is a reminder of the world we live in . even on a very safe Camino.
postscript..just back from a look at the Gaudi building called Palacio Episcopal and Astorga Cathedral (see pic), then a light dinner at plaza San Miguel and shopping for tomorrows walk..now for an early night.
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