MeAndering the Camino

After two days of rest, i was up early and ready to get back out on the walk again! Thankful that the weather forecast had improved and so instead of all day downpours, it was off and on mist as I headed out of Leon. Stopped by the Leon Cathedral to ask for guidance and to pick up the route markings about 7:30. Was lucky in that it really never rained for the first couple hours as we left Leon and suburbs. Was glad for this as most of the path was sidewalks in the urban neighborhoods and there was lots of traffic as the Spanish returned to work on a Monday morning.

Kept it a short day and stayed with recommended stage of Leon to St Martin de Camino- about 25 km/ 14.5 miles or 35k steps. I had not reserved a bed but decided since I was arriving in todays terminus so early, I shouldn’t have a problem. Was first one to check in so got a bottom bunk! This Albergue is back half of a restaurant/ bar and appears brand new. Nice back yard area with a small pool and lounge patio. The sun showed up just before I arrived at 1:30 so I have enjoyed sitting outside in the sun even though the wind makes it Fall like.

I have been curious about who upkeeps the Camino trail(s). There is great variety in the surfaces and directional signage. Everything from dirt paths, cinder paths, concrete sidewalks or mulch covered dirt is what we walk on and the signage varies from ones like the mileage marker (above) to the yellow shell spines on a blue background to a simple yellow arrow painted on the ground, wall, trees, buildings or sidewalk. Businesses and residences have tiles of the blue and yellow shell on their property. Today there were several sculptures of the ancient pilgrims as well decorating the way.