Tuesday 16th May 2023
Distance 16.6km / 10.3 miles
Hospital de Orbigo – Astorga
I woke refreshed in every way and after Morning Prayer in the very cool garden of the Albergue I made sure I thanked the volunteers as I left the Albergue. I often think they don’t get the credit they deserve. I walked on and stopped at a nice bar in the village of Villares de Orbigo for breakfast. A change from Napoletana.
The trail began to climb as I left the village.
It was at this point I got chatting to a man from Ireland who was in occasional company with another man. My fading memory has left me without names or even the nationality of the other man who admittedly didn’t say much. The morning passed quite quickly as the conversation flowed. On the way I was captivated by the colours of the poppies and other flowers in the fields contrasting with the yellow broom. The photos don’t do it justice.
We came to a beautiful view point overlooking the city of Astorga and stopped for a short break.
Down the hill and we made our way to the city over a rather massive footbridge over the railway line.
The climb up into the city centre was really steep made all the worse by the relatively easy going today. I had booked a hotel this evening so walked through the city centre and found it on a buy street with a very impressive street market.
It was a modern hotel but quite cheap. I had a beer while waiting to check in. After getting my room and myself sorted I took my laundry to a laundromat a couple of doors down. I then went to a huge supermarket and stocked up on drinks and snacks. I took advantage of the hotel restaurant in the evening and had a nice meal of the day. I also checked my feet and replaced the plaster on my toe which was healing nicely. Today was a day to get stuff done rather than do more touristy things.