Astorga

[crhutch]

Today we did about 18.5 miles, our longest walk. We are holding up pretty good. So today we are in Astorga. We leave the meseta tomorrow and begin the assent into the mountains. Two weeks ago they had a lot of snow, but as best as I can tell, the weather is supposed to be good and I am sure the snow has melted, but some is probably still there. We have moutains to the right of us and in front of us and they are still very much covered in snow. Astorga is the second to last of the ¨big¨ cities, when we get through the mountains we will be in Galicia, the last provence of our journey. We have been told that the geography of the land changes considerably.

These last two days were a bit rough on me with my stomach bug. When we were in Leon, we treated ourselves to the Parador, and had a nice meal, but my stomach just kept acting up. Yesterday I thought I was getting better but when we stopped for the day in we Manzella (?) the albergue we stayed at was so full of smoke that I started feeling bad again, plus I have picked up a cough. But today was a beautiful day and we just started walking and walking and ended up here. Tomorrow may be a short day, but maybe not. We have been walking with some of our early friends, Dieter and Becky. We left Dieter in the dust about three hours ago, but I am sure we will connect again.

Big fiesta in Astorga today so all the shops are closed. We are getting ready to head into it now.

Well a fancy dressed man accosted us, in a good way and talked us into visiting a convent across the street from the albergue. We assumed we would be able to look around. Instead we walked into a mass for the clostered nuns. It was really quite beautiful, and now we are carrying the wishes of the nuns for Santiago. We then took a walk to the Cathedral which was very beautiful. We ended the night by going to the hotel Guadi for a nice dinner.

 

[vinotinto]

So...how's the vino been so far? Every day was a wine adventure when I walked the Way. Heck, I even drank it during breakfast, in part to avoid the stomach problems you've mentioned. Anyway, looks like you're doing OK on the whole...buen Camino! :arrow:

VT

 

[crhutch]

VT, I have had wine every day, but mostly the stuff they give with the meals. On average I´d say it has been quite good, but not great....but what do you expect for this price. In Leon we stayed at the Parador and had a gourmet dinner and the wine was good but again not great. I know there are great wines out there since I have had many, but I haven´t found them yet. Today we are Pondeferra and I have tried a coupe Godellos from Bierzo. A little too green I thought so I am holding out for tomorrow when we reach Villarfranca de Bierzo. Now have I mentioned the Sol y Sombras? I have so far turned 2 kiwis, one english girl and one Finnish girl into raving believers. Sol Y Sombras is one part cognac and one part anis. yummmmm

 

[Lemonkid]

VT, I have had wine every day, but mostly the stuff they give with the meals. On average I´d say it has been quite good, but not great....but what do you expect for this price. In Leon we stayed at the Parador and had a gourmet dinner and the wine was good but again not great. I know there are great wines out there since I have had many, but I haven´t found them yet. Today we are Pondeferra and I have tried a coupe Godellos from Bierzo. A little too green I thought so I am holding out for tomorrow when we reach Villarfranca de Bierzo. Now have I mentioned the Sol y Sombras? I have so far turned 2 kiwis, one english girl and one Finnish girl into raving believers. Sol Y Sombras is one part cognac and one part anis. yummmmm

Really appreciate the updates, thanks again!

 

[amtrakker]

Villfafranca is a really nice place to stay for a few days if you're not feeling well. Plus they have great wines, they say the Bierzo region rivals La Rioja for the quality of its wines, but not as well known!

Buen camino