Day 23 walking. Leaving León 14 May

Big day out of León. Early start in the segregated dorms and we were out by 6.30am and following the trail. Most times the yellow markers lead you through the village or city and past the most significant attractions. Today was no different. The path wound in circles though the streets past the cathedral, old city walls and out past the Parador.

Anyone home?

The Parador is a luxury hotel, previously some sort of historic building. This one apparently has a varied and often disturbing past. Should have stayed here! Next time perhaps.

We started the day in full sunshine, but by afternoon, clouds were building and storms surrounded us, forcing us to quicken our pace. We were successful, but at what cost. We were both stuffed.

Our destination for today was Hospital de Orbigo, where there is a magnificent bridge. It's the longest and best preserved medieval bridge in Spain and dates back to the thirteenth century. It is spectacular!

Too stuffed to look around for albergues which had been recommended we checked into the hostel at the end of the bridge. Comfortable but certainly paying for the position. Not our usual pilgrim fare or lodgings.

Notes to self

• 32km  Leon to Hospital de Orbigo
• Private Hostal - Room 60€
• Dinner for 2 66€
• Highlight today was just outside Leon, walking through small residential area, a local resident had placed baskets of goodies for passing pilgrims, biscuits, chips, lollies. He was outside sweeping footpath, and encouraged us to take what we needed. So nice.

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