Miles Hiked Overall: 321.7 (517.7 km) Miles to Santiago: 163.3 (262.8 km)
Steps Taken Today: 48,728 Blister Count: same as yesterday
Spanish Word of the Day: sombra (shade)
What We Learned Today: If it's good enough for Napoleon, it's good enough for us.
It is rumored that Napoleon took this same route we're walking today during one of his many escapades to wreak havoc on the Spaniards. He also perhaps stayed in the same hotel were staying in while in Astorga. So we're channeling or inner Napoleon today!
Today was an interesting mixture of waking by the highway (which is loud and not as nice) and walking more in nature.
We walked for a time with a tour group from Australia. Apart from the lively and fun conversation, the best part was after awhile they said we should be in our way because they thought we were being held back by them. They said, "You young girls look so fit!" We got a good laugh out of that! And we'll try to keep that in mind when we struggle with the next hill.
We also met a guy who runs a place called La Casa de los Dioses. He's an interesting guy who basically just lives out in the middle of nowhere and survives off the land. He has places to sit and relax and also food and drink that he offers to peregrinos as they walk by. All of the food he gets by donation and if you want you can donate something, too. You can eat or drink whatever you want and donate money if you want. He believes in freedom and love for everyone. An interesting guy.
After awhile, we came to this cross that overlooks the city of Astorga. What a beautiful sight! We are so looking forward to being in Astorga because it is our next free day!!
"Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not yet the end"
―from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
