Headed for a much needed two day rest in Leon, is where? First off the Guy thought it was shin splints and then something more serious like a stress fracture. The only certainty was the right leg hurt like hell and Rest Ice Compression Elevation were calling louder than the Camino.
So, while his traveling companions went to the cathedral and prayed for his recovery, the Guy rested and took nourishment.
Lo & behold, another miracle of the Camino occurred because after a brief respite the merry band of pilgrims were ready to walk on,
down "The Way".
Onward the Gal & Guy walked, step by step,
past workers in towns and fields,
past ancient hospitals for pilgrims and across Roman bridges,
over time worn thresholds into quiet sanctuaries,
until they reached yet another hill where they could see that night's lodging off in the distance with its
well earned "tinto".
Villadangos del paramo
Then, in the morning after a few cups of Cafe con leche,
the pilgrims head out looking for the next day's miracle
and surprise
further on down the road.
Astorga
Skeptics beware, for after the next morning's prayer and drink from the "fountain of healing", the Guy's leg healed.
So, feeling better he took a diversion with their friend, Pilgrim Esteban, to a town built entirely with rocks, Castrillo de Polvazares.
Rabanal de camino
Day # who knows!
Legend says the first third of the Camino is physical, the second is mental and the final steps are spiritual. So far, es verdad, it's true.
The daily reality, all legends aside, is the only thing that matters, the one thing that must be done is to put one foot in front of the other and then do it again and again and again.
All the while, taking in the red peppers being roasted,
the crosses woven in fences in memory of departed loved ones,
and the next false summit to conquer
… to be continued
Ponferrada
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