After a night of partying, not by us but apparently by everyone in Leon, we headed out early while the last of the drunken revellers drug themselves home. We were out early, around 0530 and there were still party stragglers out. We did find an organic Coffee shop, it was worth the stop, it’s going to be a long day.
As you leave Leon, the Camino takes you past the Parador, the one from the movie, The Way. In front is the statue of the weary Pilgrim, I know how he feels.
I’ve commented before about entering or leaving bigger cities, it really is a drain on your soul, Leon did not disappoint, about 4K of city streets, noise and concrete.
As we head off for San Martin del Camino (we had to bypass Villadangos del Paramo, no beds), it occurred to me that the time with my Camino family is coming to an end and I don’t know how I feel about that.
Our South African friends, Nallie & Dawn are people that I will truly miss. The same goes for Alex, Sarah, Madison and “G” aka, Gregory, the A&M contingent. I think there’s a good chance I’ll see the Professors again and, I will see Leo again back in Dallas. Nigel and Bernie (Happy Birthday) will be missed as well.
The reunions that occur are now more meaningful, the missed opportunities are more painful and getting word about other far flung friends from other Pilgrims is both good and, sad.
San Martin del Camino is just another sleepy little town along the Camino, deserted by all the young people who’ve fled to the larger towns. Our Albergue, the Casa Verde is nice and the Hospitelero is very friendly and our bed and dinner was 16€. The dinner of potatoes, baked chicken and salad was very good.
Only internet connection was at Los Picos Bar/Cafe which means we had to traipse down there to feed our addiction. L&R especially. While we were sitting, enjoying some wine, a huge flock of sheep were being herded through town, you don’t see that every day in Dallas.
Cleaned up after dinner, nothing else to do, off to sleep, tomorrow should be better.