It was a short walk today and that is going to result in a shorter report to.  Knowing ahead of time that Astorga was not so fat away, we stayed in bed a whole extra 15 minutes but we also had a leisurely breakfast at the albergue we stayed at last night. We ended up starting our walk at 8:00am, a full hour later than normal. By that time, the sun projected enough light from beyond the horizon to allow us to keep our torch in Melanie’s pocket. 

The walk out of hospital de Obrigo was easy and short.  It’s a really small town. At the  edge of town, we had to choose – again – the road route or the scenic route. They were both about the same length so it wasn’t much of a choice.  I think everyone chose the scenic trail but maybe they just followed us in case I had another brain -fart.  Those trails were again much better than the alternative.

We never stopped anywhere on our walk today for breakfast #2, 3,or 4, or for any lunch. We knew it was a short day. There was one stop though for a sello for our credencial and a photo op. We have stopped at a small donativo “shop” on both our previous Caminos Frances and it’s run by an old man. He proudly displays small flags, money and postcards from all over the world. He has a few extra exhibits as well along with a small selection of a couple of fruits and drinks.  Mostly though, he offers stamps for our credentials and if you leave a euro or two, he is very happy.  We particularly like stopping there because he has a large Singapore flag and several other Singapore items on on display around his shop.  Melanie had to get a photo.

The trail today was mostly dirt farm roads, a few forgotten tarmac roads and some thin dirt trails next to slightly busier roads.  The highlight is definitely reaching the Cross that marks the overlook of the way into Astorga, the whole city itself as well as tomorrow’s walk out of the other side of the city and up into the mountains in the background.  My knee started to hurt as soon as I saw the mountains but that is still a day away.  I’ll worry about it tomorrow. Or all night. 

Walking today, we didn’t see many people we knew already but we did bump into Hungarian Peter who we had dinner with last night. It may be the last we see of him though since after today he is planning to walk pretty long distances.  At the albergue, we met up with a young American couple who we have been regularly seeing since Burgos. We don’t know their names yet and the way they make goo-goo eyes at each other all the times, I think this may be their honeymoon.  We also met up at the albergue with Bavarian Romi who started in Burgos on the day we had to taxi back to San Juan de Ortega and walk back to Burgos.  We only knew her from one small meal we shared but we have kept an eye out for her since then. Unfortunately, she has had to stop her Camino because of leg and foot issues. She is now bussing from one town to the next so we may see her again. 

That’s all for today.  More from the mountains tomorrow. The plan is to stop in Foncebadón, just below the Cruz de Ferro , which we hope to continue to climb to the following day.  Next to reaching Santiago, the Cruz de Ferro is the next most iconic and emotional location. 

Peace y’all. Goodnight George, Leo and Stella. We love you all.