Camino de Santiago – Day 17
Walked from: León
Walked to: Hospital de Órbigo
Date: 19 October 2017
Distance: 37km
It was perfect walking weather today – dry but significantly cooler than it has been, with sometime cloudy, sometime bright skies. The air was fresh but often smelt of bonfire smoke; I have no idea whether that is typical for this area at this time of year, or whether it’s from the fires that have been raging in northern Portugal and Galicia, which I’m getting closer to now. Hopefully the former.
I left León at 8.30am, having vowed not to walk in the dark anymore (unless I get a big, fat, clean full moon again), and got into Hospital de Órbigo at around 4pm after an excellent 30km or so tramp mainly across the Páramo (moorland). What bewilders me is that there were two options for the walk I did today; one through the countryside – which I did – and one along paths that follow the main road. Most people seem to follow the main road. If anyone can explain to me me why people would make that choice, I’d be very happy to hear the answer.
I’m feeling good about the hostel I picked in Hospital de Órbigo tonight. It’s not only clean, warm and welcoming, with the option to paint if you wish, but I also had a lovely – and stimulating – evening meal with three fellow Caminoistas (I think I just made that expression up) that I very much enjoyed. One of my dining companions, Sarah, is a talented artist and seemed to produce this painting (see below) out of thin air and into the canvas in minutes. There are so many interesting people on the Camino. Sarah and her partner Steve were two of them. I wonder who I’ll meet tomorrow?
The Silka Roads 
Perhaps those others follow the road so they can get a lift if they get tired 🙂
It’s surprising how many people do get the bus for some sections. I understand if someone is sick or injured, but sometimes people get the bus when it rains!
Perhaps some are frightened of walking off the beaten track. Bet your glad your out of the mess which we know as London
Althea best in your walking endeavours
Or
a seven days walking trip is good and some people start to fall apart if it gets longer.
and a few are harden nail. My experience with Exodus.
Ps. would love to have that painting on my wall