The albergue in Astorga was a private one ,with dormitories on 2 floors. This was fine the only problem was that the floor was made of some kind of cardboard with holes in, which gave the impression that the dormitory was absolutely massive. The building was antique but very close to the cathedral. Last night I visited a piazza where they had live music and singing. The sun was shining brightly at 8 pm. It was a magic atmosphere. Everyone I had met was in Astorga. It seems the closer I get to Santiago the more of a party atmosphere there appears to be. The blisters are going and people feel and know that they can get to the end.
I set off early this morning to beat the crowds that had built up in Astorga. The plan was to walk a bit further than the guide book advised. The walk was glorious and hot climbing up through the hills into the bluest of blue skies. I miss the sun so much, something has to change.
I arrived in Foncebadon .at 12 30 pm having left at 7 30am. It was tough at times especially going up very stoney hills, were the chances of twisting an ankle were high.
The walk was so worth it though. The albergue called Monte Irago was very relaxed, a kind of run down farm but cosy and clean with the most wonderful vies of the valley I had just climbed up. The sun was still shining. I asked if I could stay and work there. They said ' why not'!
The had a donkey,chickens and puppies and some guy playing Spanish guitar music, but not to the donkey.
That evening I shared a bocadillo and lots of cherries.