Today’s weather couldn’t have been better for walking the Camino.

Beautiful sunny skies and moderate temperatures made for a most enjoyable journey.

Once again we walked through rolling farmland, endless corn fields, and forests of eucalyptus trees. We walked 24.5 km (15.2 miles).

In Hospital De Orbigo we crossed over a medieval era bridge spanning the Rio Orbigo and saw jousting arenas that are still in use.

After reaching Astorga we attended Mass, had a wonderful dinner and retired for the night.

Buen Camino!

We had hardly made it three blocks before a familiar voice said “Wrong way guys!”. Of course we were just testing Butch to make him feel good.

The Camino took us through several small villages, and rolling farmland. It was a pleasant day for walking, we made 27 km (16 miles)

Fr. Moises and Fr. Manuel con-celebrated Mass at San Bartolome Church.

We are looking forward to a good night’s rest after dinner.

Buen Camino!

On our way to Leon we stopped at a very historical and religious site, The Valley de los Caidos. Fr. Moises and Fr. Manuel were able to celebrate Mass in the Basílica with the Benedictines.

Though delayed we arrived in Leon in time to visit the Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral, and to tour the museum attached to the Church of St. Isidoro. Half of the monastery at St. Isidoro has been converted into a Hotel, which is where we spent the night.

Manolo typically puts us in a four or five star hotel, because when you are doing God’s work you must eat and sleep well, but tonight we stayed in a three chicken hotel, 😳 which was nice.

PS: Butch and Brian participated in tonight’s dinner conversation not using words, perhaps telepathically communicating with each other leaving the rest of us out. We could understand them tonight!

Notice their communication technique. I tried it and fell asleep!!

Our meal was excellent and the conversation was…. 😳

Arrived in Madrid at 8:30 am local time after a smooth flight from Atlanta, but all were tired after we slept very little on the plane. We checked into the Airport Hilton and took a nap.

At noon we gathered want to the Parque del Retiro where we walked through the beautiful gardens while Karl did some banking.

We visited the historic Plaza Mayor, and our favorite coin stores where we all found something for our collections.

After dinner with our Spanish friend Carlos, we returned to the hotel for a good nights sleep.