The Way - Day 26

   Birthday time over - back on the trail - blister or not we keep on towards our goal - this pilgrim statue reminding us why we were in Spain - our first priority - our pilgrimage. Just as some current issues have derailed some of our plans - have also been a disruption with our Lenten journey - drawing our attention away from prayers - quiet time - God - we continue on - always forward.

Statue outside Casa de los Botines 

As we left Leon we passed by the five star Parador® hotel - originally a monastery founded        in the twelfth century to provide lodging for the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It later became the headquarters of the Order of Saint James whose soldiers provided protection for the pilgrims. The original building was demolished in the sixteenth century and    the construction of the present building, on the original site, commenced in 1515. This is one      of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Spain. The carvings depicting religious and historical events on the 100 meter long façade are worthy of note. As a hotel - featured in the movie The Way.

The Parador

Statue of Pilgrim in front of the Parador leaning against the base 

of a cross - with sandals off

Close by the Parador we crossed another babbling stream - peaceful 

Rio Bernesga

As if there aren't enough natural mountains - hills and valleys in northern Spain we came

 upon a man made hill to take walkers over some streets and other obstacles

man made hill

Finally - the hills behind us - we came to a flat stretch - coincidence? praying a rosary at the  time. In Lent so many opportunities to say a rosary or chaplet on a moments notice - 

dotting the day with prayer 

Time for a rest 

The entire pilgrimage we have been walking near - alongside - over the roads along the    Camino trail - now a short stretch under - in Lent do you always take the high road - or are you open to diversions?

Tunnel under highway 

Then there were rocks - rubble 

Dry rocks 

Walking along the highway 

Most of the Camino tracks through the bare countryside - often through farm fields - with 

permission of the farmers - just stay on the trail - do not damage crops - leave it  - as you 

found it 

Alternate transportation - yes ahead

Village time 

Break time  food & drink 

Back on the trail - more and more - again 

At this point we were tired of the sun - heat - feet getting tired- Albergue somewhere ahead -
ready for a shower - vino y tapas - sleep - as with every night some prayers - thank you Lord

for another memorable day - thank you for this time of Lent 

Buen Camino 

Deacon Dale