I wasn't going to blog today, but we are in jet lag recovery mode and its only 19:00, still too early to go out for dinner. Such is Spain. So I'll blog a bit about the day to pass some time while Rob again falls asleep...no stamina those 50+ types:-). Oh, now he's looking for the Canada soccer game. I'll have him converted to European football before the trip is out! Oops, he's hung up on an old Chuck Norris movie with Spanish dubbing...painful!
Back to the journey over. We were both awake early and out the airport at 6:45 am for our short hop to Vancouver. Then we were off to Toronto in a nice new jet with self adjusting windows. Hence the blue filter.
Lunch in Toronto. I can see that Rob is going to get into the aprés walking activities very easily!
Onto another new plane gaining access to early boarding thanks to our cool credit cards which provide us with Zone 2 loading privileges. Some humble peregrinos we turned out to be! But it sure was nice to get on immediately after those first class types! We can still feel that way because while we have moved up the loading food chain, we aren't quite at the top!
In the air we experienced our first sun rise of the Camino...
and full moon set!
We arrived early into Madrid and tried to change our train reservations to an earlier train, but no luck. So we went for breakfast and hung out. I was finally able to order green tea in Spain! A first!
We took a long hot train ride north to Leon along the route of the Camino Madrid that I'd planned to walk last year. It looked hot and very tough with lots of mountains to cross. Of course the train went through under them in long tunnels. We kept falling asleep, waking up, and sleeping again. A hot cabin.
We caught a taxi from the station to our Hostal and have a simple, but adequate room for the next two nights. We organized our gear into walking mode, had good showers, tooth brushings and more sleep. We were thenready to venture out to try and get our chores done. Phone set up, Swiss knife purchased and a few groceries.
Now we are watching the 50 km Olympic walking race and thinking that, hey...we could do that! Maybe not today...need more sleep!
Tomorrow we can play tourists and maybe take that little train around town. Rob really wants to! Annemarie, just like in Toledo!
Hey Geoff and Rob
ReplyDeleteYou made it and you made an adventure of the trip- well done. It's good to know we can follow you guys each morning on your blog as we prepare to leave in just over a fortnight. I awoke and did a pre-pack this morning to see how the gear fitted and felt in my pack. All good at this stage, although I didn't fill the hydration system!! I loved your photos of the sunrise and full moon, and that one of Toronto (was it?) from the air. Impressive mountain backdrop. Before long you will be including a few bridge photos as well - just 'cause you know we like them. It's good to think of you guys in Leon fattening up on tortilla and readying yourself to begin your pilgrimage. Have a great day wandering Leon tomorrow. Warm best, Neil and Sarah
That photo from the air was taken just 50kms east of Vancouver across the Fraser River delta with the coastal mountain backdrop. A beautiful area. Toronto is located on a very flat area on Lake Ontario. Yes, the bridges will come pretty soon...at the end of Estapa 1 in Hospital! Great to hear your packing has begun and that Sarah has a new pack. I thought of you two while walking the streets of Leon last evening.
DeleteI heard about that 50 km event and thought it would attract your attention. Does this mean you and Rob will be hip-checking each other across the meseta? After all, the Japanese walker didn't get disqualified after all, so it must be okay.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about hip checks, but for sure we will be walking tomorrow! Had a great meal out last night €23 for the two of us with wine and beer! Great value, good vino tinto!
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