Camino: Day 23

Distance: 21.9 KM (13.6 miles)

Weather: partly cloudy, 44-59°

Time on trail: 5 hours 45 minutes along with many stops

We enjoyed a nice quiet breakfast at our home stay and left around 8:45.

Once again, another spectacular sunrise.

A little less than 3 miles later we came to the historical town, Hospital de Orbigo.

As we were walking into town, we saw 2 storks high in a nest.

This town is known for its 300 meter long medieval bridge along with its famed legend of Don Suero.

Here is one more version of the story of Don Suero.

In the next town it was time for a café con leche and bathroom break.

A few sights along the way.

On the trail we saw a man collecting herbs. We asked for a picture and he gave me a large bunch. It was Thyme Vulgaris. He told me it was good as a tea with honey to soothe a sore throat.

About 4 miles before we reached Astorga, we came across another rest stop staffed by volunteers. This one was maintained by a young German woman.

Some young French people were enjoying the shelter and singing songs.

As nice as the shelter was, it was time to get into Astorga before the rain started…again.

A special multi-tier walkway helps pilgrims get safely over the train tracks.

Only a few minutes from our hotel we stopped to take this picture. We then heard this man playing his guitar. When I gave him a few dollars he gave us an entertaining performance about Americans walking the Camino.

Astorga is known for making chocolate. We enjoyed a visit to the Chocolate Museum.

Other Astorga sights.

Today we said goodbye to the flat plains for good & once again returned to tall rolling hills.

Compared to yesterday, we saw more pilgrims along the way today as well as an uptick in activity along the way. Once again the trail is decorated with murals & comical figures and there are stops manned by volunteers along the route.

I enjoyed the Meseta; but, I am glad to see more villages & sights geared toward the pilgrims passing through the area.