This will be a very short post with no pictures. I hope to do much better tomorrow! We left Leon this morning and nearly 30 Kilometers later, we find ourselves in the village of Hospital del Orbigo. We walked over an ancient, cobblestone bridge to get to this town which has a rich medieval history of knights of the templar and jousting, etc. Tomorrow we arrive in Astorga. The mountains we’ll start climbing this Wednesday are already in view! Tomorrow should be relatively easy, only 18 kilometers (about 10 miles) then we have two consecutive days of hiking to the highest point on the Camino Frances. By this Wednesday we’ll have traveled more than half way from Burgos to Santiago – more than 250 kilometers!
The extra days in Leon really helped Nancy and Andrea as they kept a healthy, steady pace today for the entire distance. Heike and I are the two with very weary and painful feet. I’m hobbling around right now like an old man. Heike remains in the Champions League. I’ve been pushed down to the Bundesliga! She’s tough and still walking strong.
We had a very good meal this evening but are absolutely exhausted. The wifi connection where we are staying is also dodgy at best. Therefore, I won’t try to load any photos. However, with a little luck in Astorga tomorrow, I hope to post a proper blog with photos.
We are all doing well. We now believe that at the pace we’re going, we should be in Santiago by June 11. We’ll see.
Thanks to all of you following this website and all the encouraging comments and prayers we’re receiving. It really helps us and encourages us.
One thing I can share with those who are considering the Camino. It is a deeply rich experience. However, what I have learned so far is that reading about it is one thing, actually doing it is something altogether. It will challenge you physically, emotionally and spiritually..
Great news about Nancy and Andrea and their nice recovery. Here’s hoping the same for you, joe, after a good nights rest. 30k today sounds like you are all back on track!!
Hi Bob! Today is a short haul to Astorga, only 18 kilometers. However, the next few days will be a real test in that we’ll be going over the highest point on the Camino. One and a half days of steep climbing then half of the second day going down a steep descent. We should then be entering Galicia which has many rolling hills and river valleys. The terrain will dramatically change from the relatively flat Meseta we’ve been walking through this past week. Gotta love it! – Joe
Tried to comment a while back but no luck. Following along from Colorado. Really enjoying the pictures and stories. Miss you guys and stay safe!
No worries, James. Always good to hear from you. All our love to you, Becca and Carmen!
I just read the last entry in this wonderful blog. Now I’ve decided I want to write something. Dear Joe, Nancy and Andrea all of us here in Aachen, are very happy about the “chance” have designed it so that you have met my sister. It calms a very, that Heike is in such a nice and amiable companion. I enjoy reading the entries and photos in your blog and share some information on our Facebook page for Heike.
Please excuse the not quite flawless English.I promise improvement.
We send you greetings and Spirit by the further steps to manage as good as the previous one.
We are all very proud and we´re looking forward to more daily news from your Camino.
Sincerely, Nicole Ortmanns :o)
Hi Nicole! So nice to hear from you. Don’t apologize for your English, it’s very good! Heike has been a real joy for us. Nancy, Andrea and I are very happy that we’ve met and become very good Camino friends. I’m confident our friendship will last well beyond the Camino. We’ll continue to take good care of her. I’m enjoying the daily German lessons! 😉
I’m very happy you and your friends are enjoying the blog. As long as we have a good internet connection, I’ll do my best to blog everyday.
Heike has told us a lot about her “baby” sister who she loves very much!
We hope to also meet you some day. Liebe Gruesse von Joe, Nancy and Andrea
Bienvenido a Astorga. Disfruta de la plaza, el reloj y los mantecados.