Day 25 Leon – Oncina de las Valdoncina

After a crazy night for Jessie’s birthday (2 glasses of sangria and bed at 11pm!!) We woke later than usual and had an easy start to the day. It started out as the three amigos, myself, Jessie and her friend Lucy set off walking out of Leon on a bright but cold morning. A couple of photos, (one of which is apparently a Gaudi building) and we were walking through the uninspiring suburbs.

Shortly after leaving Leon the trail splits. The shorter route follows a busy road while the slightly longer alternative route wanders through a few small hills and villages.

We decided on the scenic route (a few extra km is nothing to us seasoned walkers!) Stopping at nearly every cafe along the way (various excuses, thirst, needing loo etc but to be honest we were just having a lazy day) and a few km later we found ourselves at a bar in a small village called Oncina de la Valdoncina.

The bar was really nice and it also offered accommodation. Should we go on? Should we be true pilgrims and carry our bags another 10 or so km to the intended day’s destination? The answer was a resounding No. We enquired if there were any beds spare and moments later the bags were dumped and our boots were off (By we I mean Jessie and I, Lucy had continued on without us). Max was behind in Leon and randy and Susan slightly ahead.

It turns out that we had stopped in what promises to be my favourite albergue of the trip so far ( El Pajar… It’s not in any guidebook as far as I know because it’s newly opened but trust me both the place and the owners couldn’t be nicer). The guy who owns it (Manolo) was beyond friendly and chatted with us for a while. We had a tour of the albergue and it turns out he is in a rock and roll band. He has a room set up with guitars, drums etc and was showing us videos on Facebook of him playing live.

Guided tour done I handwashed some clothes (by handwashed I mean got them wet .. made a half-hearted attempt at washing then gave up and hung them to dry). Chores completed I decided to grab a quick siesta. Jessie was face down on her bunk but the usual bed-rattling snoring was thankfully absent.

No doubt there will be more tales to tell of tonight’s antics but that’s all for today. Oh I promised a photo of the original team so here you go.

Randy, me, Jessie, Susan and Max.

Jessie has asked that I put a nice photo of her on here as apparently I seem to upload ones of her looking less than her usual perfect self…? obviously if I ever get one I’ll post it straight away.

Buen Camino.

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