Day 21. Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga

What a beautiful day to walk!!  Well not really because it is raining but this pilgrim is leaving town on foot.  Walking out of town I saw a  woman leaning out her window visiting with a lady on the sidewalk, both ignoring the rain.  As I passed I said, "buenos dias."  In stereo, they replied, "Buen Camino!"  Their good wishes gave me confidence that I could walk today. 

Two paths led out of town and we chose the one through the fields and forest rather than along the highway.  The rain added to the feeling of spring and there was a freshness in the air.  There was a wide variety of plants and flowers but I didn't take many pictures because of the rain was steady most of the day.  I did manage to snap a few when the rain let up in the afternoon. 

As often happens on the Camino, help is there when you need it. We were feeling the need for a dry spot to sit & rest when in the middle of nowhere this "cantina" appears. Best of all, there were tarps up and dry benches. The owner saw I had a compression bandage on my leg and came to my aid. He took my rain poncho to shake out and hang on a hook, got me "cafe" and then got me a cookie & a banana. "No pay, only donation in the box if you feel like it," he said.

There is no fear of getting lost even if you are walking through the forest. They always find a way to mark  the trail clearly.  In fact, it is easier to find your way in a forest or field then it is in the city - too many distractions. 

Got into Astorga and headed for the Chocolate Museum. Doesn't look like much from the outside.  

In fact, it is a small museum and although it is interesting it is the tasting room that held my interest.  Six different kinds of chocolate!!

You just can't get enough chocolate can you. This is a display in one of the MANY chocolate shops. 

There are the usual "old buildings" you see in Europe. This one, designed by the famous architect Gaudi, looks like a fairytale palace. It was the Archbishop's Palace but now is a museum. Ask Miss Town to tell you more about Gaudi.  She studied about him in university. 

Walking around town we found a "pilgrim size" backpack!!  Would you be able to carry this backpack??  Imagine what you could pack in this one. You wouldn't have to leave anything at home. Start making your packing list for the next journey. 

Speaking of backpacks, you'll notice that mine shrunk. Not really!!  This is my day pack that I use for shopping and sightseeing. My big backpack is traveling by van to the next stop. I am using a service that will move my bag for me until I am sure my leg can handle the weight. I need to keep going forward and this is a way to help.  Don't worry, I put the class shell on this bag so it will continue to experience the Camino. When I see the shell, I think of all of you "virtually" walking the Camino with me. 

Buen Camino