Another late start this morning. No one in our dormitory got up until about 7:30 am which is very late. I was already up but was able to take my time to pack up and get started. The forecast said it would be -3 degrees when we left at 8:15 am but it was not that cold. There was a blue sky, no clouds and no breeze.

On the way out of the village we saw this pretty hermitage complete with stork’s nest and stork in residence.

Although the conditions were good the walk was not very inspiring today, into León through suburbs, industrial estates, commercial areas and finally into the city centre, which was beautiful. And then back through commercial areas, industrial estates, suburbs and finally to the village where we are staying tonight.

I particularly loved this Gaudi building.

Of course the city centre was very impressive but it was a long slog to get there and then back out again, however nothing like as bad as it had been in Burgos.

On the outskirts there was an interesting selection of hobbit houses – we saw one a few days ago, but there were a dozen or so in this area, just built into the hillside – not in an area of rock. Very strange, but cute.

We reached the village of Virgen del Camino and found the albergue which is in a very peculiar position amongst institutional type buildings, but is sparkly clean with good facilities, lovely lounging area with library, adequate kitchen, and garden – all for six euros.

As today’s walk was quite short we arrived early and after shower and laundry duties we walked back into the village to a bar where we asked for two wines and were given a plate full of delicious tapas, quite sufficient for lunch, at no charge, just two euros for the wine. Although the bar was at the side of a busy road, it was in the sunshine, so we stayed a while (we had to wait for the shop to open so we could buy some food for dinner). When the sun disappeared over the rooftops we chased it down a side street where we found another couple of hours of sunshine and more free tapas.

We were joined by a Belgian guy called Derk, who we met at yesterday’s albergue and Ella invited him to share her home cooked supper. I have decided to do my own thing for food; not because I do not appreciate Ella’s cooking, but because I just want something really simple, so I have bought lots of fruit and some bread, jamon and goat’s cheese – my idea of heaven after all those heavy and excessive pilgrim’s meals.

Derk and William washing up after Ella’s dinner.