Our goal today was the ancient city of Astorga and then continue on to Santa Catalina de Somoza, a distance of 22 km. we wanted to make it to Astorga mid morning when we had energy to enjoy the town. We left at about 6:40 and made slow progress through lush green hills (you can feel the land beginning to change).
We ran into David, who exuded pure joy and happiness. He was manning this booth with fruits, coffee, cookies, nuts etc in the middle of nowhere. Every thing was free (there was a box for donation)
David has done Camino multiple times. He seemed well travelled. He has been to India. He has been manning this booth for 5 years and living a simple life that reminded me of Walden Pond. He was oozing positive energy.
Our first glimpse of Astorga was from this mountain with the cross.
As we entered we saw a house structured in the third century. We also had our breakfast at the plaza.
We then saw the bishops palace and the cathedral.
In the next town we found a cafe with great fruit juice and vegetable smoothie where we also picked up our dinner food as it looked very good.
After 5 more km we arrived at our Albergue. We are all done with our 22.5 hike and dinner.
After dinner as we were taking a walk around town, we saw this flag carrying practice for some celebration for Virgin Mary coming up on September 22nd.
Camino Mystic 
You people seem like you can’t get enough of walking– you finish your hike for the day and then walk around the town some more!
Either Sitara’s pack is getting bigger, or she is getting smaller… just kidding. Beautiful pictures of the town and the sunrise. Things look to be getting more hilly as you make your way through this last phase.
And if I know my Mom, there will be at least 5 pictures of the cross in Astorga backlit by the setting sun that I will have to go through when she gets back.
Buen Camino!
Hey Camino walkers, we are doing AKF Walk today in LA so wish us luck. (LOL it is only couple of miles, in a park like setting in Santa Monica overlooking the ocean, no back packs to carry and water and power bar stations every couple of blocks and followed by hot lunch and entertainment) – this is my kind of walk.
Enjoy your walk for a good cause. We are there with you in spirit. Just send us some good food.
Love the arrow and the heart made out of rocks!!