Day 23 - May 20, Tuesday - Sahagun to Leon

Day 23 - Tuesday, May 20 - Sahagun via train to Leon

We are tired and can't seem to get a break from the Spanish cold viruses. It appears Stoney is coming down with the latest. The Meseta has drained us and affected our moods as well. It remains very cold and windy here. We could see our breath again this morning; we are wearing our warmest clothes complete with hats and gloves so it is not a problem. Many pilgrims did not come prepared for the chilly weather. Rain is in the forecast for the next five days. We have trekking umbrellas and ponchos so we will walk on. 

We were the only people at the hotel breakfast buffet early this morning. Towards the end when I was fiddling with my IPad I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It was a mouse running along the baseboards under the food. So much for a new 3 star hotel. I am not even going to think about the other places we've stayed. I hoped he had not nibbled before we arrived. I have a translation app so this is what I showed the man at the reception desk. "Vi a un raton en el comedor." He shivered and threw up his hands. I just wanted him to cover the food. 

After breakfast we walked 5 minutes from the hotel in Sahagun to the train station. 

On the Appalachian trail when people skip ahead by car it is called yellow blazing (the line in the middle of the road). Decided we needed a rest and hopefully we will get to feeling better. Our guidebook suggested taking a bus from Mansilla to the center of Leon to avoid the long slog along the busy highway N-601 which could be dangerous and wearisome; we just started 15 miles ahead of that suggestion. It was a 30 minute ride and we left about 8 am. There were many peregrinos/peregrinas on the train to include several with their bicycles. So we skipped walking about  32 miles on the Camino. While I was glad to board the train, I could not summon a smile. We rail blazed today. 

This is a pilgrim we've been seeing for many days. He takes pics of everything. Stoney says he reminds him of me. He has asked us to take his pic several times with his camera. He took the train to meet friends in Leon. 

We made our way from Leon's train station fairly easily in this big city. It is beautiful. We could see the spires of the Cathedral and knew our hotel was on the street in back of it. 

We walked about 8 miles around the city today but it still was a day off. Observations from people watching: A lot of very short people here. Some around only 4.5 ft. Especially the older people. I should begin taking pics of shoes and boots on the girls and women-such a variety. A lot of smokers. People very friendly when we ask directions. 

We mailed home more stuff today. We have some climbs coming up. We had used the stuff to date so home it went. Other pilgrims were doing the same. We recognize each other by the sandals and clothes. We ate at Burger King near the post office tonight. Stoney was longing for familiar food. In Spain though no soft drink refills. Two junior whoppers with fries and drinks are expensive here - $17. 

We are spending a 2nd rest day in Leon. Hoping for a bed bug free night. I have sprayed our packs inside and out with permethrin and our clothes as well as our shoes. Here is hoping we are not carrying any with us.