Yes, I know. The title suggests that we have been walking for days and have finally found a badly needed rest day. The truth of the matter is that when I organized this journey, Rob was confined by vacation to a specific number of days, and in order to cross the 385 kms to Santiago there wasn't really a spot to fit in a rest day. Knowing that Rob is on vacation, I did manage to squeeze one in, but unfortunately this is it. Sorry Rob.
Last night we managed to find a very good meal and went for a walk afterwards to take in the evening activities and to see some of the lights. We struck up conversation with a couple from Paris over dinner last night who had been driving along the coast of Spain where Annemarie and I will walk after Rob departs for home. They said that the scenery was excellent! Bonus, I was able to use my conversational French last night and it worked pretty well!
A beautiful warm evening, and this being a Friday night everyone was out and about. I think Rob was quite amazed. But this is Spain and living begins at about 21:00 and goes very late.
We slept for a while and then up again early and off for a walk to warm up. Rob wondered where everyone was? Sleeping in Rob. We began to see some late departing peregrinos wandering out after 9:00 and we stopped to rest with this poor soul who was really quite exhausted!
After a few words of encouragement and a cheery Buen Camino we left him there to continue his recovery and checked out breakfast...
but it was much to expensive, so we walked on and past a favourite haunt from last time we walked through here...Annemarie and Ken was that a meal or what!?Then it was of to get a less expensive breakfast in a bar shop for a hat for Rob. We will be walking a different route and a bit further than the posted distance on the Frances. 
Then a little sight seeing. The cathedral is every bit as amazing as I'd remembered. Even Rob managed something more than the usual uh-huh.
The rest of the day involved a lunch in the town square
And walking around getting supplies for the road tomorrow. We say outside at a bar this afternoon and watched the steady stream of peregrinos arrive in town. Many more have arrived via the train to begin from Leon, so I'm thinking the next 4 days until we deviate from the well worn route will bring much company.
Yet another short nap. Now we are up and about to get organized to depart tomorrow morning early. Hot weather returning in a couple of days. We are both still a bit behind, but excited to get a start tomorrow. A good meal tonight and the morning adrenaline should help us to find the energy that will be needed for the first 29km stage. No problem!!
Almost forgot the hilight of the day...drank my first Aquarius! So excellent!
Buen Camino!
That was a fantastic meal. I still remember the potato-mushroom croquettes--I've tried to replicate them at home with a little success, but mine were nothing like the original article. No breakfast buffet at the Parador? Maybe you have to have been walking for three weeks before the cost seems worthwhile. Great pics of the cathedral!
ReplyDeleteWe didn't feel that we'd earned a huge breakfast at the parador. I agree with you, after three weeks on the Camino then I'd be first in line for the breakfast! Yup, the evening meal at that little restaurant was a culinary hi lite!
ReplyDeleteHey Geoff. The photo we have of Neil with that poor soul sitting exhausted outside the Parador - Neil looks about as bad! You guys looked pretty fresh and full of beans. It's great to see Leon again through your eyes. We have a picture on our fridge of Neil sitting at a restaurant table in one of those central piazzas, glass of red wine raised in toast of the day - so Leon has some special memories for us - not least the Parador breakfast!! (We also had an argument about where to eat that night, so wish we'd known where you guys ate that beautiful meal!!!! - we'll have to get a tip before our next visit.
ReplyDeleteWe find it moving to hear of the pilgrims streaming in. It might make for crowds on the road perhaps, but it is wonderful to think of all those people putting themselves in the way of this experience and what it might mean for each one individually - the friendships, the conversations, the deep learnings, the turning points reached ... how amazing that the possibility of such a journey exists in the world and is so accessible to people like us. We hope your last sleep before setting out is sound, and that the morning feels fresh and alive as you set out past those little hobbit houses on the outskirts. We bless you on your way - may Rob's first Camino day be a memorable one (for all the right reasons!!).
Buen camino,
Sarah and Neil
Thanks for the encouraging message. The first day, as it always seems to be, was very familiar with considerable excitement. Things generally feel right, but little adjustments are required until things fall into place and a rythum is established. Ha! Rob just fell asleep for the second time since we finished today. He thinks he's on vacation! I keep humouring him.
DeleteRob look excited!
ReplyDelete