Camino Day 26 – Hospital de Orbigo

I Departed Leon feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  It would again be a longer day to reach Hospital de Orbigo. The good news is there is sunshine and warmer weather.

It’s funny how easy it is to get off the Camino in the city versus in the country.  In either case, if I continue to head west I generally find The Way.

Given a sizable dinner the previous night, I headed out without breakfast.  I had 2 bananas in my bag along with a couple of Twix bars. In a pinch, that would get me through the day.

Today, I noticed again the variation in housing. I took photos of homes under sod, gated communities, suburban looking row houses and a mini mansion.

Just after the sod houses I came across a “pilgrim” stop.  It was a man offering some fruit, coffee, seating, bathroom and some fanfare like backpack shells and walking sticks.  I enjoyed a small cup of coffee (first of the day) and rested. After a few minutes I dropped a some coin into the donativo box and said good bye.

Shortly after coffee I found a fork in the road. This happens quite a bit. There is a quicker route that often follows the main road or a more scenic cross country route. I always choose the latter.

I enjoy seeing the countdown of kilometers on the markers that line the Camino.  I finally hit 300 (technically 301.1)!  I rested, had a snack and reflected on  some of the previous 470 kilometers covered.

Little towns offer a brief distraction. A few homes, some interesting landmarks, an occasional coffee with a bocadillo or tortilla. Today provided only minimal signage.  Being early season still, much remained closed (cerrado) in these smaller villages.

Rolling into my destination city I crossed a beautiful Roman arch bridge and was greeted by a wonderful Catholic host (in picture).

While the accommodations are simple, they were pleasant. He told me much about the history of the family home gifted to he church and now serving as an albergue.  He told me where and when to attend mass and the best place to find dinner after. Both were pleasant and life giving.

Back to bed to rest after a long days walk of 20 miles with an 8 am start tomorrow.

On a final note for the day:

Pilgrim  – One who seeks continuous prayer in hopes for connection with God.

“The geographical pilgrimage is the symbolic acting out of the inner journey. The inner journey is the interpretation of the meaning and signs of the outer pilgrimage. One can have one without the other. It is best to have both.”
—Thomas Merton