Astorga

Wednesday 15th June 2022 Day 25

Off early again to beat the heat, we have 24km to go mostly by the road again and it’s going to get to 34 degrees. We walked 6km to Hospital de Orbigo which has the longest medieval bridge on the Camino. Pretty impressive. A quick coffee then off again.

Another 5km then we stopped for a drink in the back garden of this Alburgue. The lady was so pleased to see us snd it was a loverly place. Off again 12km to Astorga. Our Brierley book said this was a lovely walk, he sold us a pup!! It was miles without shade or resting places. We did see this which was a bit worrying!

Eventually we spied an oasis.

David runs this place. Lots of amazing fresh food and drink, help yourself and donate what you can. I have never tasted such a great watermelon, Off again and it seemed never ending those last few miles into Astorga were difficult. But helped by this guitarist singing us down the hill! Even he didn’t last long we saw him in Astorga later.

At last we made it into town and our lovely hotel.

We wanted to do some sightseeing but had to rest a few hours to recover first! Then off to see the Gaudi palace and the cathedral.

The cathedral had effectively been turned into a museum. We are not religious but I think when you go into most churches you do get a feeling of spirituality. Not here, so a bit disappointing. Next off to the Gaudi palace next door, built as a Bishops residence, Gaudi didn’t finish it and it went through a few architects and owners before completion and it shows! I did really like the tiling which was designed by Gaudi using the local red clay and made to look like normal homeware.

Robin did a little dance to entertain us. Then we went looking for good but no luck, nowhere opens before 8, we need to get up at 5 so this isn’t working for us!! Robin was grumpy.