I had a nice relaxing day in Leon, at least until the night! I woke up to enjoy a continental breakfast at my hotel, then headed into central old town to tour the Cathedral. Afterwards, I ran into a few pilgrims in the courtyard of the Cathedral, by chance, that I'd previously traveled with, who had just hiked into town. We agreed we'd get back together later for happy hour and perhaps dinner. Then it was back to my hotel to update my blog. Around 5pm, I headed back to the center of old town to meet up for happy hour.....which turned into dinner....which turned into going back to their apartment until sometime after midnight. It all turned into a few glasses of wine. Ok, a bit more than a few. By the time I made it back to my hotel, it was after midnight. Bedtime was a little later than I hoped, but oh well, when in Spain........
A great way to start my morning on the way to the Cathedral. A little live music
Waiting outside the Cathedral before it opens.
Toured the Cathedral. It was amazing, particularly all the stained glass. I took hundreds of pictures, but I'll try to pick a few of the best....
The church was built starting in 1250. They built the church 'upward' to direct you towards God. It works. Absolutely stunning.
Yes, the stained glass is fantastic!
Amazing huge wooden door!
So long Cathedral. You're beautiful. Peace out!
I stocked up for tomorrow's long hike, since it's going to be a national holiday. Ok, I also bought a bottle of wine to keep me busy back at the hotel while I updated my blog!
Happy hour with Karen from Panama and Mike from San Diego.
How many pilgrims does it take to find a place to eat? We wandered through the narrow streets of Leon for an hour before we found just the right place.
Finally found the right place! Mike, Susan, Tony & Gina (opposite from me), all from California, invited me back to their apartment afterward right around the corner. They twisted my arm (not that hard) so I had to do it. Besides, Mike, Susan & Tony were leaving the Camino tomorrow to travel to southern Spain, so I had to spend some more time with them to wish them Buen Camino!
One last view of the Cathedral at midnight from their apartment window!
A view of some other famous building on the way back to my hotel. Love this town!
Time to get to bed. Got back to my hotel about 12:30am, and after working a bit more on my blog, I finally got to bed close to 3am. Could be a tough 19 mile hike tomorrow, but I'm sticking to my motto - work hard, play hard! Buen Camino!
If there’s anyone who could party & stay up until 3am and walk 18 miles the next (same) day, it’d be you!!!
Love watching and reading about your amazing journey!
Bill, you’re doing great, about halfway there, and you’re enjoying each day with all your encounters with fellow pilgrims. May the Camino continue to provide for you and bless you. Buen Camino! I’m enjoying all your blogging and photos - amazing!
Glad to hear your 'tires' are holding up even those they might be screaming at you now and then. May you continue to have rich blessings each day with so many of the pilgrims you meet. You're getting a lifetime of inspirational stories and are one yourself. Buen Camino for the second half.