Today we only had the 4 K to Hospital de Orbigo that we didn’t do yesterday and then 16 K to Astorga. There was no rush to get going but by habit we were still out of the door by 7. The morning was very dark and with just the light from our head lamp we could see that the landscape was dramatically different. We took our time. We arrived at Puente de Orbigo and I so wished that I had made it here last night. The Puente de Órbigo a long 21 span 13th century bridge was what we now needed to cross to arrive in Hospital de Orbigo. The bridge looks far to big for the river but a dam had been built and now the river that had been so much wider was reduced to a two span flow.
The final spans of the bridge in Hospital de Orbigo go over a canal, the reflections vivid in the early morning light.
We stopped for a break in Villares de Órbigo. While ordering the cafe con leches blood began pouring from the war wound on Little Aussie Bleeder Dave’s hand. The barista grabbed a long length of toilet paper and shoved it into Little Aussie Bleeder Dave’s hands. Little Aussie Bleeder Dave returned to our terrace seats still bleeding as David with his two ladies Heidi and Kelly walked past. On one of our first days out we had met David. I had called out to David and instead of my David turning around a fit looking guy had turned..oops wrong David, but a cute one so no complaints there. David is walking with his partner Heidi and her friend Kelly. After our first brief encounter we have bumped into them several beer times. We hadn’t seen them for a few days and we thought that they were well ahead of us so it was a pleasant surprise to see them again today.
Prettied streets with mud brick houses and extensive paving now lead us out into the countryside.
The flat terrain didn’t last long.
Soon we were walking through hills and farmlands with small plots of wine grapes being harvested.
Our walk was interesting.
With the normal unusual
We walked hills, fields of stubble, through pine and oak groves and past a boot with a view of the plains.
Six Kilometres from Astorga a donativo oasis.
Coming into Astorga at San Justo de la Vega one of my favourite views. A cross with the village of San Justo de la Vega in the background and behind it Astorga.
As we enter the townscape of San Justo de la Vega this incredible statue. While the fountain’s waters run the statue also drinks from his flask.
Through maize fields, along old mud brick wall and over modern zig zag bridges we followed the arrows into Astorga.
The Astorga Cathedral…
Gaudi’s Episcopal Palace
And the streetscapes
Some simple but brilliant.
And the perfect way to end a perfect day.
