So far so good. I am through Leon. And Burgos. Some memorable moments:
Nice to see the crepe lady is still alive and kicking in Fonfria.
Late afternoon all alone at the Iron Cross . . . until a car drove up, a man got out leaving the car radio on full blast. He walked around a bit, yelled "Buen Camino" to me (I waved back) and off he sped . . . leaving me alone in the silence again.
Being grilled by another peregrino at Monte Irago in Foncebadon. Where was I from? Where did I walk from today? Why am I walking backwards? How old am I? And that was before I could get my boots off.
Sitting for a long time in the Garden of Remembrance.
Then arriving very late at the albergue in Astorga as I got sidetracked into a really cool blues bar on my way through town
Enjoying a long chat with Italian Lucca who has taken over from David at the Cantina.
A lovely evening and dinner with Christine at the Vilares de Orbigo albergue.
Watching 2 peregrinos swimming in the river at Villarente - in February!
An evening at the Elvis Bar in Reliegos with a big group of Spanish peregrinos.
A REAL cafe con leche - a huge mugful - when I needed it most on a very cold and frosty morning in San Nicolas del Real Camino.
Walking parallel for 2 days with a very young couple, also walking in reverse, who were very much in love, and wild camping (in winter!).
I hate mixed ablutions especially when the shower stalls are so tiny it is physically impossible to get dressed in them. So I get back from the bar at 9pm, grab my toothbrush, open the ablutions door, and get the full monty from a startled late arrival peregrino. Retreat to my bunk and only when I am sure all 5 men are tucked up in bed with their faces in their phones do I attempt to go and brush my teeth again.
A stunning sunrise next morning leaving Calzadilla de la Cueza for the long walk to Carrion de los Condes.
A great meal, great company, and great pod beds at La Finca in Poblacion de Campos.
Jill