Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Mansilla de las Mulas to León

May 28- Mansilla de las Mulas to León
We were prepared for un unpleasant day of walking the 19 or 20 kilometers into León but it was quite a pleasant surprise. Yes the path was close to a major highway for part of the day and it was a noisy, but on the other hand it was also safely away from the highway for all but about 200 meters and so there was no safety risk. For the rest of the time the path was a distance away from the road and quite pleasant.
The wild flowers are still blooming abundantly, the clouds were spectacular and the path was easy. We went through several smaller villages and two in particular where we chose to stop, first for a tea and a fresh orange juice and second for some lunch were very enjoyable. At the first, just outside of Villapuente I think, the were playing the Ode to Joy at top volume. What an enjoyable treat that was! We stayed there for about a half an hour just listening. I felt so invigorated from hearing that beautiful music being played with no restraints. A couple of hours later we stopped and took an 80 meter detour for lunch at a small bar. Some of the things they offered seemed a bit different so we asked for a chicken bocadillo. But the man asked if I wanted to try a special dish of the house that was garlic chicken and potatoes and that's what we ended up having. It was super delicious and he was very pleased to hear that we thought so. I imagine his wife cooks up all the little special things they have. He gave us a little piece of cake to try because we were so happy with the lunch - and all for 5€uros each.

For the past few days the mountain range called Cordillera Cantabrica has been off in the distance to our left, looking spectacular with its snow-covered peaks. But it suddenly snuck around in front of us as a reminder that it won't be long before we are walking uphill in a big way in a few days. I'm looking forward to it.

Boy I pulled a major stupid today! We decided to have our packs carried ahead today. To do that we write the name of the place we are going to be staying (in this case in León) on an envelope put some money in there and pin it to our backpacks in the morning. So having done all of that, do you think I remembered the name? No- not even close. Do you think I remembered the book with the name and address in it? No- of course not. What I did remember was the name of the street so as we were approaching León all I could do was hope that they would have signs trying to direct other 'pilgrims' to their albergue as well. We had no trouble finding the street and I felt sure I would remember the name if I saw it but we walked the full length of the street and no luck. We did see another albergue but felt sure that wasn't the name. Eventually Suzy remembered that I had phoned for the reservation and should have the number on my call log. I did so phoned them and got the address. As it turned out we were essentially there. But to add ridiculousness to stupidity, the name they have on the street sign is a different name than the one in the books!! Once we got all of that straightened out we were fine. Sheesh - hopefully that's my last idiot move of the trip.

Out to see the cathedral and other sights and have some dinner - and now to bed so we can do it all again tomorrow. The weather is sunny but quite crispy chilly and a bit breezy. Good walking weather.

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