Day 20: A Day of Rest in Leon

From my Mom:



Sue and a weary peregrino

Today was fantastic!! We were supposed to meet two of our Canadian friends for breakfast, but didn't wake up until 8:30!! I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I woke up at 1:30am with excruciating hunger pains. I thought I was going to pass out. Unbelievable! Luckily we are staying where you can get food all night so Steve went downstairs and got me a banana and lots of bread. That's all that sounded good. I think my body was telling me that if I plan to walk almost 29 miles again, I need to give it fuel. Not smart! We got up and had a fantastic brunch and set out to explore Leon. Here's the thing about the Camino, you are in many, little villages and just when you've had enough of nothing, you come into a place like Leon and you think, "Wow, thank you God." At least we do. We can only take so much of wheat fields and of course, my buddies, the flies! However, I wouldn't discourage anyone from hiking the Meseta as I don't think I'll ever forget to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me every day at home. Leon is an incredibly vibrant city with so much to do and see. The Cathedral is gorgeous. Very simple, but has the most incredible stained glass I've ever seen. Truly breathtaking. Our Paradores hotel has amazing history and we plan to do a self-guided tour before dinner. Everything about it is phenomenal!

I can't remember if I already shared this, but one night when a bunch of us were sitting around, someone said, to be able to do the Camino is a privilege. That continues to stick out in my mind and I think about it everyday. Especially on the Meseta when I'm thinking, "A privilege?  I don't think so!!" But it truly is.

As I've noted before, the Spanish are truly lovely and they have been nothing but gracious on The Way. Can you imagine how many times they say Buen Camino? But they are always so sincere.

Today while we sat in the square and watched the people go by, I was once again reminded of what classy people they are. We watched moms decked out in high heels and dresses walking to pick up their kids from school. Boy would they have cringed if they could have seen me driving the kids to school in my pj's!! It's real easy to tell the locals from the peregrinos! We ain't looking real sharp, believe me.

I have to take a moment to thank Mike VanMetre who originally encouraged us to watch the movie, The Way, because otherwise we never would've embarked on this journey. Now I can't wait for him to do it!

Today has once again been glorious weather. It's hard to imagine how fortunate we've been

I have a slight pull in my left lower ankle, but nothing's gonna stop me now!! I'm sure it's from all the miles yesterday and I've probably done a total of five minutes stretching since we left. Tomorrow is only 14 miles, so I'll get a chance to rest it.

After a great nap, we had a lovely dinner at the Paradores. Kind of funny that a glass of wine costs the same as a coca cola light. Cheap for wine, expensive for coke! We figured out that while we were sitting in town we saw at least 25 of our peregrino friends. Some will continue on with us, some we will never see again. One peregrino who we don't know had her backpack stolen with her passport in it. Really sad, but it just shows that even though the Camino is sacred ground, you need to be careful. She was so disturbed by it, she headed for home. What a shame.

Many people we saw today said the Meseta was just too much for them so they hopped on the bus or the train. I totally understand as it becomes a mental exercise to complete the Meseta. Two more days of it, but it's supposed to be much better.

I can't describe how great it was to sleep somewhere for two days in a row. Prior to this we have spent 20 days in 20 different places and Steve can remember them all! As for me, I can't remember where I was 2 days ago!!

We have what looks like a nice, easy day tomorrow. I'm wrapping my Achilles in the hopes that it won't pull anymore. Other than that we are rested, full of good food and ready to go.

Our prayers are for all of you,

Sue and Steve

Small botellas

Nice dinner, then back on the Camino manana

St. James the Great

Entrance to the Cathedral

Santa Maria Leon Cathedral

Pastries are unparalleled

Here we are outside Leon Cathedral

Our friend Cindy's feet :(

Our friends, Kelly and Regerio, from the US

A slight pull in Sue's tendon

Entrance to the Paradores San Marcos

Excited for an American breakfast!