Day 5/21

Had a great sleep and finally after a week feel in the time zone. A fab breakfast at our accommodation, everything homemade, jam, fried eggs, toasted baguette etc. we headed away at 0900 for Astorga - approx 23k with lots of villages enroute.

It was a pleasant 8d with some low cloud. Stopped at Villaries de Orbigo for coffee after crossing the amazing bridge in pic. A bit of history;

“Don Suero de Quiñones, a wealthy knight was rejected by the women he loved. In his heartbreak he locked his neck in a iron collar and swore he would not take it off until he had defeated 300 knights in jousting. Knights came from all over the kingdom in the Holy Year 1434. He succeeded and freeing himself from the tourment of love removed the collar and made a pilgrimage to Santiago where the bejeweled collar can be seen in the cathedral museum. The bridge become known as El Paso Honroso “the Honorable pass”.”

We continued on with a little bit of rain. It was good walking today. A mixture of flat, mild inclines and declines. A wonderful Oasis in the middle of nowhere. This guy has been providing a place for pilgrims for 9 years. He had fresh fruit, biscuits, water etc all for a donation.
As usual the last few kms into town seem very long. We entered the square in Astorga and to our delight saw our hotel. Very spoilt.

We derobed (packs, hats, buffs, shoes, socks) and went for a beer. Fan and Jen joined us. Very pleasant arvo enjoying a few vinos in the sun.

Headed out, not too far for dinner. Met a lovely couple, Maria and Daniel from Argentina and spent the evening talking and drinking red wine.

Today we meet
Peter from Adelaide
Giplett from France
Couple from Victoria BC
Maria & Daniel from Argentina

Refreshments €16
Dinner €30
Bed €75