Stage 1: Leon to Hospital de Orbigo, 30kms, Sun and Heat, 28

Faster Than A Speeding Train!

Finally! Back on Camino and a very familiar welcome greeted us as we walked out of Virgen del Camino early this morning...

And of course I'll begin this post with the sunrise...

I had just the biggest smile on my face as we walked out in the dark this morning. A quite emotional moment actually. I checked in on Rob and he was looking pretty stoic, but I'm pretty sure his emotions were just below the surface...uh-huh. Of course he had to tolerate a Camino tradition, almost a rite of passage.

However, before I continue a couple of photos from last night. We had a great dinner complete with postres at the end...Annemarie, you would like this...perhaps not because of course we ate them!

We then went for a long, late walk and the town was hopping! Hey Paul, you told me that one can find an Irish bar just about anywhere...you were right!

Then into Plaza Mayor where I hadn't been previously and we found a group of musicians playing. If you've ever followed this blog, you might remember that these fellows are a bit special in Europe. If I get a chance later on this trip I'll tell you a little more about these lads.

And quite late we arrived back at our humble, but quite nice abode. 

So back to today. When I planned this Camino I wanted to provide Rob with a wide selection of experiences over his two week walk. I felt it important that he experience a little of the Meseta. By leaving from Leon he'd have a day and a half to understand what this part of the journey is all about before we hit the mountains. It's a favorite part of Spain for me where one can walk long soulful days with time to reflect or just let go.

As we wandered along, completely by ourselves I might add, we could hear the thunder of guns from all sides as the farmers went into the fields to try and obliterate whatever game they could find. After all it is Sunday, a day when traditionally most smart animals don't venture out!  

I want to make it very clear that while I tried to stop for a coffee break on three different occasions, this proved very difficult on a Sunday morning as all the bars were closed. First in Chozas...

And then later in Villar where a favorite grocery was closed. 

So we sat and ate bananas on the bench...thus lightening our burdens considerably! Bananas are great walking food, but they sure are heavy! However, we finally had success at Vilavante where a bar was open and waiting for us, complete with more Aquarius! We enjoyed our break while chatting with a lovely young lady from Dresden, Germany and of course four Italian guys...lots of Italians walk Camino in the summer heat. Our German friend had two injured Achilles and understanding what this would mean, we discussed various treatments. She will leave the Camino in Ponferrada as she has managed to walk just short daily distances with plenty of pain killers and Volterin to ease some of the pain.

We continued on and the sights we did see!!

Cooked boots! Done and done!

And of course the scenery was its usual self...spectacular!

Lots of greenery at this time of year and even a few flowers along the way. Not spring-like, but not burnt out fall either as we experienced along here in 2013. 

This one is for you sunshine girl...you know who you are! Nice message today...you choked me up a bit...thanks for that.

And of course a selfie so my mom can see that I'm ok.

The route is a bit longer than last time because they have changed up the trail at Villavante forcing you through town (hey, there's a bar they want supported) and a long way around the train tracks which we previously just walked across.

Then before you know it (well, not quite) you walk into Hospital and you are faced with crossing a most stunning bridge! I know, I know...Neil and Sarah you have waited patiently through out this post.

Lots of stork nests, but so far no storks. I fear they have flown the coop! 

We've had great cold as ice showers, a bite of lunch and a cana of beer. I've finished the blog and Rob has finally woken up from his nap...out like a light! He did great today...no fear.

Now off to wander town and to see the sights...all two of them, and we've already seen one of them!

Buen Camino!

PS. The title of today's blog had nothing to do with we two peregrinos. It was the train that flew by us at the point we previously used to walk across the tracks. Probably a good idea that they changed things...hmmmm