Camino: Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga

24/05/19
Astorga is charming, historic & happy. It's a perfect size to explore & enjoy without being frantic after solitary days on the trail. Most of the sights are tightly housing within the old city. According to legend, both St. James & St. Paul preached here. The city has passed along under Visigoth, Muslim & Christian rule so it features interesting architecture.

Once again, how does a small city garner such a special & awe-inspiring cathedral? In the same plaza stands the Palacio de Gaudi which was built as a palace for an archbishop until it served as a military headquarters. Astorga even has a Chocolate Museum. I couldn't understand the Spanish video or displays but I sure could understand the smell of chocolate- the universal language.

Once again, we had the pilgrim treat- a room right by the front door on the first floor. This parador was special in that it included a lovely courtyard where we were able to enjoy wine, ham & cheese while sketching & journaling.  A lovely night!
19k to Astorga (population 12,000)

The grand Astorga cathedral

A moment of relaxation at the Gaudi museum

The beautiful courtyard at our parador this evening

Camino: Leon to Hospital de Orbigo

23/05/19
Our first day on the trail following our day off in Leon. Joined by our pal, Bill, Betty & I had a long hot walk from Leon out to Hospital de Orbigo, a beautiful river town with a jousting habit. 

We opted for a more rural path today- it added distance but took us off the busy roads. We picked up a new pilgrim pal from Germany, Nicole, who was with us in the coming weeks. The remote path through Mazarife provided minimal shade or support but luckily was fairly flat with earthen paths. Bill felt compelled to enjoy both beer and wine to quench his thirst from the long trail today.

Sadly, we will miss the Hospital de Orbigo jousting tournament in early June but you can stand along the medieval Paso Honroso bridge overlooking the tourney field and just imagine brightly colored knights defending a queen's honor or taking on a less honorable opponent. One knight, rejected by the woman he loved, vowed to defend the bridge until he had won 300 jousts. No word on the reaction of his unrequited love. Talk about a big gesture!

Once again, we were about to chew our arms off in hunger upon arrival & luckily found an "early bird" pilgrim meal before turning in early in our adorable inn.
30k to Hospital de Orbigo (population 1100)

Crossing the river into Hospital de Orbigo- the jousting tourney grounds

After a long hot day, Bill opts for wine AND beer

The grocery store carries canned goods & jousting outfits