Leon: Sunny, 17

Restorative Day

I went out for pasta last night and then walked the streets for a while. The Spanish are so evening oriented and are always out in the evenings in great numbers. One of the things I love about this Spain. Rob, I think this is beside where we stayed and ate our first night. Still really nice.

I wandered to the cathedral to see it lit up at night.

I sort of slept off and on all night, but eventually I dragged myself out to find a bar and breakfast. Then to the pharmacia where the lady working there was really helpful and told me all about her special trip to Western Canada last year. She loved Victoria and told me how friendly we are there. It was nice to hear. We exchanged stories and she told me to check out the mountains as there has been unusually heavy snowfalls up higher. It’s been on my mind and the latest information I can find is that it’s possible to cross presently. It will chill again in a couple of days so will seek local knowledge as I pass by. 

I really enjoy León. The hi light for me is the cathedral. So I went there to get my credential stamped and then went inside to see the marvellous stain glass.

They have been restoring the church and I noticed that all the support pipes that cross crossed the ceiling have been removed giving a very different look. A clean, elegant look which was the way that windowed gothic cathedrals were meant to be seen. I’ve had the opportunity to see dozens of these buildings and I still place this one in my top 10. Enjoy!

I was given a headset to listen to all the background but I didn’t turn it on as I’ll just forget most everything, and I really just enjoy the stain glass and the contrasts.





Afterwards I walked the streets for a while taking care of a few chores. 

Clearly there is still a Halloween hangover going on!

And David, I found a brew pub that we need to explore together!

I’ve spent the balance of the afternoon hanging out on my nice big bed planning the next few stages in an effort to ensure that I don’t stay up on top of either of the two higher mountains as the weather is going to get cold again, particularly up high. This means that with a few long stages and staying in a few off line non-Brierley places that I can cross the remaining 320 kms in 11-12 days. At least that’s the plan until it changes. I’ll miss a couple of places I wanted to stay this time, but see others like El Acebo where Annemarie knows I’ve always wanted to stop! So a decent trade off. 

Thanks to everyone for your nice notes, and if I didn’t get back to you, please know that I appreciate your vocal support!

I’ll stop slacking off tomorrow, and remember, if you still wish to donate to the Alzheimer Society there’s a link just off to the right and I know that they, and of course I, would really appreciate your contribution. Best wishes to Graydon and Candice on their wedding day tomorrow in a Tofino and I’m very excited that my cousins Gord & Karen will be travelling to join the festivities! Well done.

Buen Camino!