The winds from the previous day had calmed, and the temp was the coldest we had experienced; 40 degrees. So having put on every layer we owned, we headed out to Mansilla de las Mulas, the last stop before Leon and our zero day of play.

We came upon cairn that are common sight.

The path followed a lightly traveled road and was tree lined the entire 11 miles

This picture of Becky’s hat reminded me of my friend from a few days ago.

Once we arrived in town we headed to the old town to seek out our afternoon refreshments. We did not want to upset the routine.

We did not find this town to be welcoming. The first bar we went in the lady was so rude to us I canceled the order and walked out ( there was a little theatrics involved). Once outside the friend who was with us did not comment on how rude the woman was, only how something must really be going wrong in her life for her to behave that way and she hoped she could work through it. Well that made me feel like a real jerk, as I am not nearly that kind. But I would like to be. Another lesson from the Camino.

Finally it was time to head to Leon. Becky decided against the urban hike and took the bus with two others. After dropping her off at the bus station I crossed the bridge that led out of town.

Early on I came upon these sheep who were not concerned by me since they were under the watchful eye of a vicious guard dog

There are sections of the Camino that have alternate routes and today was one of them. A detour to a 12th century monastery was a more scenic route that added 3 miles. I decided to be adventurous and headed down the alternate asphalt road.

For the whole 10k of the alternate route I walked alone never seeing another pilgrim. Some scenes from the morning.

I finally hooked back into the original route and worked hard to make up some time. The closer to Leon, the less scenic.

Unlike other major cities that the cathedral serves a a landmark to head toward, I caught on glimpse in the distance and did not see it again until I arrived in the plaza 5 miles later.

Leon is a more modern city than those before it.

I finally started to enter the old city.

And finally the cathedral. Becky had already got us settled into an apartment 150 feet away, so after a quick shower we we off for refreshments and sightseeing.

One sad note. We had met a Spanish couple along the way that we would see at some point each day. My limited Spanish and their limited English prevented any serious conversation. Seeing them earlier in the day they let me know they were stopping in Leon. I will miss seeing them each day. A chance encounter in Leon allowed us the chance to say hello/goodbye one last time.