I am hoping to walk tbis se tion in 2015 but I am walking alone. I am a bit unsure of doing it online. Any ideas
I agree with the others: you will never be alone on this Camino. And yes, spend a day in Leon. Visit the bario humedo, but also the area to the left of the Cathedral (if you are facing it). And get the audio for the cathedral tour - it explains the amazing feats of its quick construction (125 years, which explains why it is so simple in comparison to others) and restauration. Look at the Gaudi building, visit the area to the left of the cathedral (when facing it) - has a lovely park and other beautiful buildings. The albergue (Carbajales) is a very old school typical "religious" albergue. Boys to one side, girls to the other, beds very close together and always people on the floor. Next door there is now a hotel called Hosteleria Monastica Pax which is just beautiful and inexpensive if you prefer a quieter night sleep for the first night. Run by the nuns.
Interesting that someone would mention bussing all the way to Hospital de Obrigo. I took the bus to Virgen del Camino, and yes, that day of walking to San Martin is quite drab, walking along the highway for most of it (although there is a longer route which apparently is much nicer). And there is nothing, nothing, nothing in San Martin, so I can see why someone would suggested starting your Camino in Hospital.
A little story about Leon, and Hospital de Obrigo in particular: my feet were killing me, I could hardly put a foot in front of the other after walking 2km (turns out I have flat feet and needed orthodics). When I finally made it to Hospital from San Martin I walked in the first bar I saw to take off my boots and put in my Crocs flipflops (walked in them with great success and in great comfort until getting to Astorga where I bought hicking sandals with a great arch). I asked for a cafe on leche and started unpacking and looking after my feet. The lady behind the counter brings me a slice of toasted bread with egg. I thank her profusely, thinking she had taken pity on me. So, not wanting to be an ungreatful pilgrim, I order a second cafe con leche. She brings me antother little something to eat. Clearly it was time to leave or this would have gone on all day and I would have beeing on quite the caffeein rush!
I told people this story at night and got quite the laughs: it's tradition in Leon to always bring people who order a drink a bit to eat: that's the original tapa you see! Still one of my favourite Camino memories.
Good only on the walk - and don't worry, you will always have people near and arround you, always helpful people should you need them. There is a lovely fraternity on the Camino.