One Year Ago: a Bus, a Bridge, and Lavender Fields

(from my journal)

Astorga
20 April

Breakfasted in the Benedictine hotel with Francine. We walked to the bus station – maybe 1.5 km – and caught the 9:30 bus to Hospital de Órbigo. Walked across town to Puente de Órbigo and walked across (and back across) the astonishing medieval bridge there.

Saint Benedict, Pray for Us!

Saint Benedict, Pray for Us!

My late, lamented hiking shoes. They got me through my training and as far as León before giving up the ghost. Francine brought my backup pair with her and I swapped out.

My late, lamented hiking shoes. They got me through my training and as far as León before giving up the ghost. Francine brought my backup pair with her and I swapped out.

Walking to the León Bus Station

Walking to the León Bus Station

A Blue Door in Hospital de Órbigo

A Blue Door in Hospital de Órbigo

Puente de Órbigo: Legend of the Knight

Puente de Órbigo: Legend of the Knight

Francine on the Puente de Órbigo

Francine on the Puente de Órbigo

Puente de Órbigo

Puente de Órbigo

Took café con leche (second breakfast!) at the bridge, and then to the Camino!

Second Breakfast at Puente de Órbigo

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in  Hospital de Órbigo: Francine's first Spanish Church

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Hospital de Órbigo: Francine’s first Spanish Church

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in  Hospital de Órbigo: Francine's first Spanish Church

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Hospital de Órbigo: Francine’s first Spanish Church

Met up with a delightful couple from Indianapolis, Smith and Tara. Walked with them on and off through the day, and they’re sharing our room at the municipal albergue in Astorga.

A fairly easy walk, and a good introduction to the Camino for Francine, I think.


Terrain began as flat(ish) farmland, and gradually became hilly farmland and then vineyards. The hills got larger, and we walked through olive groves, then forests and lavender fields. Then, Astorga!

Hospital de Órbigo

Villares de Órbigo

Villares de Órbigo

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Lunch!

Lunch!

Our Lunch Spot... possibly in Villares de Órbigo, or possibly in Santibañez de Valdeiglesias.

Our Lunch Spot… possibly in Villares de Órbigo, or possibly in Santibañez de Valdeiglesias.

Tara and Smith

Tara and Smith

Francine and Thom

Francine and Thom

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Second Lunch?

Second Lunch?

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Astorga!

Astorga!

Astorga, the View from the Top

Astorga, the View from the Top

If Gaudi built a castle

If Gaudi built a Castle…

Bishop's Palace, Astorga

All the day 19 photos!

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