Today was a great day for pictures. The Way crossed over the highest point on the walk. I passed by the cross where people drop stones and other items that have special meaning. I dropped off a piece of coral as a way to help remind me of the wonder the world holds when you see it in new ways.
I had good views and crossed a nice bridge over a river into the town of Molinaseca. From there it was on to Ponferrada which has the best preserved Templar Castle in the region.
It was a nice walk today. I have gained elevation and tomorrow will cross the highest point along the Way. There is an iron cross here where people drop stones and other items. I will say more about this tomorrow.
Today was a long walking day. The Way included passing over a bridge with a story. Located in Hospital de Orbitz, and built by the Romans, it became known as the "Paso Honoroso" in the 15th Century. A knight refused in marriage, decided to defend his honor when faced with this slight by defending it against any knight attempting to cross. After a month of success, he declared his honor restored.
I also like the Gaudi building here in Astorga. It was built as a residence for a bishop but never used. Astorga is also considered the official end of the meseta and I enter new terrain tomorrow.
It was nice to leave the city and be on the Way again. The path followed streets and roads out of town before becoming a cross - country walk. The weather was cool and sunny.
The number of people walking seems to have increased. There are some people I met today who began their walk in Leon. It is their first day. I also met up with people I have seen before at different Albergues.
Part of today was spent visiting the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Leon. The interior stained glass windows are colorful and I enjoyed looking at them in the morning sun. My focus was on the interior and to be honest is was difficult to take a picture that would do the exterior - or interior - justice.
I have included some interesting elements including a picture of a statue of a pregnant Virgin Mary and an up close one of a panel featuring the Golden Fleece legend. It turns out that the 13th Century builders included elements of Roman and Greek mythology in their decoration. The attitude to allow this changed. Some was later removed during renovations and little remains.
I also visited the Plaza San Marcos. The main building here houses an upscale hotel but it also has served as a pilgrim hostel and the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of Santiago who protected the pilgrims along the Way. The church at one end has many scallop shells that symbolize the pilgrimage as part of the decoration on the walls.
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.
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.
