Day 24 - to Astorga

Once again, thanks to my day and 5000 step sponsors. Thanks to those sending me messages of support and prayers.


Yesterday afternoon was very pleasant. Apart from a time of rest, I spent much time chatting with fellow walkers, celebrated Mass at 6pm in the parish church with about 7 people and the had dinner with five fellow walkers. Interestingly, of the 6 of us, only 2 had walked more than a day. It is amazing how many shiny shoes are around and how many of our co-pilgrims are leaping over the mountain-tops like gazelles. That will wear off.


Unfortunately, about 15 minutes after I finally set myself to going to sleep, I started to suffer from stomach cramps. Like a shot, I was off.... and then again twenty minutes later, and then again at 2am in the morning and then at 6am. I don't think it was a bug. Yet, no-one else seemed to be suffering at all.


The upshot was that I woke up feeling incredibly weak. If I were in the real world, I would not have left bed at all. But, there was a walk to be done. So, I did get up and begin the camino. It was all very hard going.


Nevertheless, the first hour or so was relatively pleasant, with an almost full moon hanging overhead. I reached the end of an incredibly long stretch, of which the only feature was a prison farm to the left. The sign said that there were four kilometres back to the town I had left. I argued for quite a while with the sign as I knew that I had walked much further than that.


I was hanging out for my first coffee. BUT, I was too early for the first town. I had walked twn kilometres but nothing was open. I had to walk another 4 kilometres to the next town. I dragged myself on.


In that next town, Hospital de las Obrigas (or something like that), there was a magnificent bridge leading into the town. Originally, the river was incredibly wide, but under Franco it was dammed. Now the bridge crosses land. I chose a bar/restaurant at the far end of the bridge to have breakfast. Instead of the usual tortilla, the man made me a fresh omelette. It was magnificent. I paid for the privilege of a freshly cooked breakfast and a fine view.


Having finished my breakfast, I was ready to go when the two Englishmen from the past few days appeared on the bridge. So, I spent a pleasant few minutes with them. The next 5 or so kilometres took me through a couple of villages and was a pleasant walk amongst the corn fields. As soon as we left that last village, the scenery changed incredibly... it was now red and dry and hot... an amazing change.


These next 15 kilometres were hard!


I was delighted when I finally spied Astorga - even though, I knew that there was still 5 kms to go. I dragged myself forward by pure will-power. I was so glad to finally arrive...


I have now refreshed myself and am waiting to see what the will bring.


Adios!