Walk the Leon

Here we are up to date Sunday 30 September arrived with a leisurely more interesting walk to the Cathedral city of Leon. Only about 15 miles today and I will stay two nights to give my leg time to heal. Walked right in to a festival that was like Knutsford May Day parade, the Cheshire Show, and Manchester Christmas Market with castanets, bands, pipers, dancers and nearly got trampled by yoked cows and bulls pulling decorated carriages. Brilliant! Tried the local delicacy of black pudding which is a sloppy mess but tastes delicious. Vespers with Benedictine Nuns awaits. Gave my leg some heat treatment in the scorching sun.

Walking back to happiness

It is some time since I had Internet access so I will have to fill in where I have been. Walking at great speed 29 miles in 7 and a half hours to Torradillos the half way point. Then again next day to Reliegos nearly 8 hours and nearly 28 miles at the end my hands were swollen! Both these sections were flat and somewhat soulless stretches by the main road. The routine of arriving, hoping the hostel isn't full, washing and drying clothes and getting something to eat before an early night comes round again. Blessed by fine and warm days if a little chilly in the mornings. New people each day are met and some familiar faces I am catching up walking much further than most. The disadvantage of not running is it takes so much longer!

Walk don't run

After a days rest my leg was still sore but I could at least walk, first gently does it to test with a 15.6 mile trek to Fromista leaving Castrojeriz behind as the sun rose. The familiar routine of packing my bag in the dark and unpacking it in a new Albergue for another night returned.

Rest for the wicked

Having a day of rest to try and let my leg heal having overdone it. I will get sleep on the same bed two nights running in this sleepy village called Castrojeriz. Apparently it comes alive for a Garlic Festival earlier in the year! This is my ice pack and a picture of the sports hall I had to sleep in beforehand . Now I have realised I can add photos when posting via the iPod I will put something more interesting in due course.

Vicar on the run is having to walk.

Yesterday I ran 19 miles but had to walk a further 6 to get a bed for the night. I should have stayed in Burgos with its stunning cathedral. Instead I ended up in an overflow sportshall on a grubby bed and blanket in Horbillos. My leg is injured and I need to give it a rest. After my best nights sleep it was a case of walking just over 12 miles to somewhere I can get some ice on my lower right leg below the shin. Thankfully was early and second in queue for the next hostel. Will see what tomorrow brings but frustrating because it is not fatigue that is slowing me down.

Run Forrest run!

Another day another run, this time 25.7 miles or so as I forgot to set the watch after buying two bananas. According to my guide book there were severe inclines but not by Macclesfield standards. At times it has been like running in Macclesfield forest or the peak district. I was a bit worried when a wild boar was running parallel to me on the half light. I did walk the inclines when too steep and finished in Atapuerca where the earliest homo sapiens remains have been discovered. There is a picture of him running so perhaps I have been here before! Very windy today a head wind then a crosswind. Opted for the slightly more expensive hostel as the other has had bad reviews. This is Sunday but local church seems all quiet. Found a bar with cheap tapas and beer and Formula one on the TV. Praise the Lord.

What am I doing here?

Two days of good running with walking too have brought me 24.5 miles and 26.3. First to Ventosa in Rioja amd through vineyards and out of Rioja into Castilla y Leon and the village of Redecilla del Camino. I run as much as I can and so am making good time and I feel fine and dandy.It is time to go in the dark once again!Born again to run.

Where am I?

Little green running man with 47 seconds
left to cross the road!

I am now at a place called Torres del Rio having made 29 miles yesterday The weather will be hot again today as I cross into the Rioja region. Everyone will be going to a wine festival in the next large town. more celebrating! One of the nice things is how over the last two nights pilgrims who have walked as a group have included me in their meals even if though they know I will not be with them day by day. Strangers become friends.

The party went on through the night and was still going at when I was leaving the village with a clear sky and stars twinkling. Chilly start turned to a hot day. Ran more than walked today ending up doing 29 miles to Torres del Rio. One of the joys of the Camino is meeting other pilgrims for a meal at the end of the day. Most are not religious but we have a shared humanity and there is fellowship as wine flows. As I am travelling further and faster than most I join with others who have formed a bond over days travelling together. Both last night and tonight folks have welcomed me and included me and joke about me running past them. Being made welcome is so important.