Saturday, August 31, 2013

Leon to Mazarife - 8/31

(Distance: 22 kms   Time: 5.5 hours)
The Day: We started out late this morning because breakfast (a real scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and even choc cake for Betsy) came with our hotel room but they did not open up until 8am. So we were on the road at 8:30 and back on our journey of walking. What should have been a strong day for both of us given the day off turn out to be tough. I had my usual aches & pains that did not seem any better, but Betsy has developed a blister/sore on her left heel. By the afternoon we were moving at a very slow pace and finished the day limping in to the albergue. Her blister is buried underneath the callous on her heel and she eventually was able to drain it. We don't know whether it will just fill up again or begin to heal. Tomorrow is supposed to be a 31 kms walk but we will just have to see how the day unfolds. All prayers are welcome :-)
the way as we leave Leon behind us

Betsy and a local farmer

entering Mazarife

The People: We have reconnected with an old friend, Angeliek from Holland who we had not seen for over a week, and met her friend Thorunn from Iceland. The way is becoming a more internal journey as Betsy and I walk together.
Jolie, Angeliek, Christian, Thorunn, Manfred, Bob, Betsy at dinner

In Leon - 8/30

The Day: We spent the day relaxing and site seeing. First thing in the morning we toured the Cathedral and then returned to our hotel where we took a tour of it also. The hotel is an old monastery connected with the St Isidoro church with was built on part of some Roman ruins. The wall right outside our window was built in 100 BC! Betsy took advantage of being in a larger city and got her hair cut ... see pictures below :-) Tomorrow we are back on the trail as we tackle the last 300 kms to Santiago.

The People: We found our friend Mike from Canada, ran into Patrick once again and saw familiar faces of fellow pilgrims throughout the day. For the most part we spent the day on our own.