11.2 Miles
Our last night in a dorm situation confirmed our decision to book private rooms (with or without a shared bathroom) from here on out.
One of our fellow pilgrims, Kevin, whom we’ve shared an albergue with before, is also dealing with shin splints. We exchanged ideas on remedies, etc. and decided to travel together to Leon. Dale had a missing pair of socks (which were found) and also his prescription sunglasses (which were not). There were 2 places they could have been left the day before in town, so he decided to stay behind and wait for them to open.
Kevin and I started out about 8, moving slowly, and thankful it was going to be a fairly level walk. We bypassed the first town but stopped in the next one for 2nd breakfast and a rest.
At that point Dale sent a text that his glasses were not found and he was getting started. As we were finishing up, putting on our packs, I determined that I needed my sunglasses. Reaching into the pocket where I stowed them…I found 2 pair! Somehow Dale’s had been put there as well. I decided (since he was already on the way) to surprise him with the info when he caught up.
Even though we had an hour and a half head start, I was sure he would. We were about 6km out from Leon, taking a break when he came into view. He was very relieved to see his sunglasses, but insisted he hadn’t put them there….ah well, that may be debated for some time to come…
Leon
As with the other larger cities on the camino, the approach to Leon is not lovely. But the city itself is beautiful! We checked into our apartment located next to the cathedral, and a block from the Plaza de Regla which the cathedral faces. After showering and a good rest (plus a Tinto Verano or two) we decided to find dinner. The plaza is wide and bustling with activity. Dale had already scoped out a few likely restaurants when he was out earlier on an errand. We decided to eat at El Topo, which was actually Italian food, and it was delicious!
We saw so many pilgrims we had met at different times, catching up on their journeys and experiences. We saw Beverly, who was walking to celebrate her 70th birthday…we had not seen her for several days. She’s still going strong!
After dinner, we strolled down the main street and some of the side streets where many booths are being set up for a festival which begins on the 5th. This is one of two main festivals celebrated in Leon, and it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun, medieval style!
The leg being tired, we ambled back ‘home’ and to bed. So glad we have another day in this awesome city!