Leon

Today was another rural to urban transfer. I found the transition into Leon much nicer than the walk into Burgos. I have also now passed the halfway point in my walk. I should get to Santiago de Compostela within two weeks.

I will explore Leon tomorrow but my first impression is a nice one. The older part of the city retains much of its medieval character with narrow, winding streets. The city supposedly gets its name from being founded as the base for the Roman VIIth Legion. There is a picture of a fountain attached. The fountain was originally constructed in honor of the Legion. My walks over the past few days have followed some of the still existing Roman roads built in the region.

Mansilla de las Mulas

This was the last stretch along the meseta. It was much the same as the previous day and followed the Real Camino Frances. Much the same means: flat, near a paved road, sunny and I was able to wear shorts. Attached is a photograph of a cafe I stopped at for coffee in the morning.

Bercianos del Real Camino

There was sun and blue sky again today. I wore shorts for the first time. The path followed the road but large stretches had shade trees along the side. I am currently on a section known as the Real Camino Frances. I will follow it tomorrow to Mantilla de las Mulas. From there the next stop is Leon.

Ledigos

A good part of the day's walk was along the Roman road known as the Via Aquitana. It has been covered with gravel but the foundation has survived.

There were some trees along this road and the shade was nice. The weather has been sunny and warm.

I also passed a field in this area where 40,000 soldiers under the command of Charlemagne died in battle with a Muslim army. Legend has it that trees sprouted from the lances of the Christian soldiers left on the field.

Two weeks on the Way - Villalcazar de Sirga

The walk started today along a canal. It then continued, and continued on a gravel path alongside the paved road.

The town I am in has an interesting church. It is a fortress style church built by the Knights Templar in the 12th Century. There is a painting here of a pregnant Virgin Mary. This was apparently a common way to depict her in medieval times but is not the practice since that time.

I've attached a few pictures to give you the sense of the day. Not the most inspiring walking day but I am closer to Santiago de Compostela.

Boadilla del Camino

Another nice walk in the sun across the meseta today. Early on, I passed by the ruins of a monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony. He was considered the patron saint of animals.

The symbol of his order once based here was a "T" shaped cross. It was known as the Tau and its power to heal (especially the fungal skin disease Saint Anthony's fire) was thought to derive from the power of love.

So much for medieval lore... There are photographs of the day attached.

Hontanas

Today was the opposite of yesterday. It was an urban-rural transit. I left Burgos following a river and eventually started walking along the meseta. This is a relatively flat and open area that leads to Leon. There was plenty of sun today and I am enjoying a beer in front of my Albergue in celebration! I am not alone...

There are some pictures of the Way today attached.