Are any of you reading this - only one comment posted so far!!
Day 10 Thurs 12th Sept Leon to Astorga.
Five star breakfast in the Parador, collected bikes from Concierge, and set of over the old Roman bridge onto the Camino. At Pilgrim Mass last night the Argentinian priest encouraged us to visit ''La Virgen del Camino'' 5km out of Leon. This is a modern beautiful 1960's church but with the original 16th century altarpiece - another stamp for our pilgrim passports!
Lunch was in Hospital de Orbigo beside a 19 arch stone bridge which is over 200m long.
In Astorga - a small clean hilltop town with a Gaudi designed Bishop's Palace beside the Cathedral - we booked into a new ultra modern Spa Hotel with enormous leaves painted on the external walls. This was a complete contrast with yesterday's historic medieval Parador which once was San Marcos Monastery.
Usual chores of washing clothes resulted in John (him again!) flooding the bathroom floor, while the two
Tonys were splashing about in the luxurious basement spa. Again pushed the boat out with a 9euro Pilgrim Menu, incl wine - usually an excellent choice. This time we didn't understand the Spanish for runny cold chocolate dessert with a floating arrowroot biscuit until it was too late!
Early to bed as tomorrow promises to be a bit more challenging as we head into the hills - not ordinary hills, these are "M&S" hills.
We hear reports from home that the weather has turned for autumn - we ought to let you know it is excellent cycling weather here.
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| Tony G in the Spa |
34miles - total 431
Don't worry, we're reading alright...
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great ride!
Adrian (40 Plus member)
Just caught up with you all via Stefan. It all sounds great and a ride we had hoped to do "one day" - I fear age has caught up with us now. However we still enjoy miles on the bike about 2-3 times a week and we look forward to reading all about your journey. Buen Camino and keep sending the piccies. Len and Terry Mason (St. Christopher's)
ReplyDeleteHi Tony and all on the Camino - Similar to Adrian and Len and Terry Mason (comments above), I am an avid reader of your interesting reports on your Camino journey and feel as though I am riding along beside you urging you on! I know your group consists of Tony O'Byrne, Dan Dorrian, Tony Green and one other? Would like to see names and surnames occasionally mentioned! Great photographs. Best wishes and a safe journey for the rest of your pilgrimage. Pat Kennedy (St Christopher's CCC and Forty Plus CC).
ReplyDeletethanks to Stefan I have also caught up with your ride ... Danny I recognise you even after the 40+ year time-lapse since I last saw you, not sure if I recognise either of the Tony’s
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you guys are setting an example for the rest of us, I must try and find a way to get back to the UK sometime for a reunion ride when one crops up .. it's so interesting to see what you guys are up to and also I feel somewhat envious of you and your trip ..rarely being able to get away for more than a days ride ..
I wish you all well
Buen Camino
Frank McNally