DAY 23 : SPAIN : LEON to VILLAR DE MAZARIFE - 22.2 kms - 6.5 hours

Distance walked in France and Spain so far : 1219.5 kms (57 days)

Weather : cold and clear : -1 degrees at 8.30 am and 12o maximum

We walked from Leon today

No sleeping bag, no blankets and single sex dormitories - this was not one of the scenarios we were prepared for. Fortunately the Benedictine monastery was well heated, I borrowed Mark's sleeping sheet for a double layer and dressed warmly. Now we are ready for any situation!

Very cold walking out of Leon, as we joined the local population going to work and school, in their coats and winter gear. It was a crystal clear day and very comfortable walking, when the sun streamed along the road. It was a flat walk, in fact today was the tail-end of the Meseta - the vast plain we've been travelling along for the last 8 days.

-1 degree as we left the city

 

We walked past a parador, 5 star (state-owned) hotel.
This one was originally a modest pilgrim hospital of
12th century but renovated and embellished by King
Ferdinand with sculptures and pilgrim motifs.

 

One of the towns on the outskirts of Leon.

 

Walking our last section of the Meseta

 

A scene of village life

 

Paloma (pigeon) breeding for local restaurants

 

 

Our destination today is a small town, Villar de Mazarife. We are staying in a well-presented albergue, with double rooms available, of which we've taken advantage. Always refreshing to have linen and towels provided...and 10 points for a westward-facing clothes-line.The hospitalero also provides an evening meal and breakfast, which is a bonus.



San Antonio de Padua Albergue in Villar de Mazarife

Carlos prepares the paella

 

A happy meal by the fire

 

M&M

29/10/12

mm_smith@bigpond.net.au