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!
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
A Blue Door in Hospital de Órbigo
Puente de Órbigo: Legend of the Knight
Francine on the Puente de Órbigo
Took café con leche (second breakfast!) at the bridge, and then to the Camino!
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!
Villares de Órbigo
Lunch!
Our Lunch Spot… possibly in Villares de Órbigo, or possibly in Santibañez de Valdeiglesias.
Tara and Smith
Francine and Thom
Second Lunch?
Astorga!
Astorga, the View from the Top
If Gaudi built a Castle…
All the day 19 photos!