On to San Martin Del Camino

The kids are here goofing round in one of the gardens in Leon.

Going in and out of large cities is really the pits. So much road walking and not alot of greenery. It was a huge relief to get out of the built up area and onto a track - admitably it was beside the road alot but at least it wasnt a pavement . 

Hard to believe we nearly have 300 km to do - tomorrow or next day probaby. We have about 22 days of walking left, so still need to keep doing the Kms.

Am loving seeing the kids opening up more and more- and for Morgan to smile.  He is such a ham with photos at the moment.

I've been taking photos of what we eat alot - bevause you know, thats what the Camino is about.. Eating..

Morgan reckons this hamburger was the best ever. Home made - non commercial ones always are.

I am enjoying the variety of pinchos - they are normally under two euros a plate and super yumm. Below I have a potato and olive salad and a mussell salad in vinegar. Mmmmm. 

We've stopped in a pretty non descript roadside town, only here because of the road and the pilgrims.

Astorga is a few days ahead of us as is the Iron Cross... More mountains to moan about..

Luxury in Leon

Oh my! We had planned on staying two nights in a pension or hotel when we arrived in Leon, however, hadn't banked on it being a major festival night - and every place  had been well and truely booked up weeks ago. I was pretty happy to get into the Benadictine Nuns Albergue, though it was probably one of the least personalised places we'd come to stay in. But at five euros a person, you really don 't care.

I'd promised the kids some luxury here, so fronted up to the flashest place in Leon, on the main square. It was a teeny tiny weeny bit more than five euros a person.. But seriously don 't care.

I made sure to book our room for Sunday night nice and early, the receptionist was kind enough to take our bags snd poles to allow us to wander the town trouble free.

Sigh, crisp sheets.

Sigh, HUGE bed.

Sigh, fluffy towels.

Sigh, deep bath.

Sigh, steaming hot water.

Sigh, coffee machine in the room.

And best of all... Good wifi, snore free night, late check out and a buffet breakfast with fresh fruit and yoghurt. 

Does it get any better than this?? I think not.

Leon Cathedral

Named one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe, it truely can take this title easily. 

It was built over the top of huge Roman baths built in the 1st century . There are ruins and walls still visible in places - along with the intricate flooring, perfectly preserved.

Leon Cathedral is a perfect example of the Gothic style of architecture. It was started in the 13th century and was finally completed in the 16th century. 

Of particular note and one which sent me mad..was the 2000 metres of medieval stained glass windows... How magnificent..

Medieval floor tiles.. How many pilgrims must have walked on these ?