León Reunion

Paul and I enjoyed 3 days of walking the Meseta - doing some long days but still finding time to connect with our new Pilgrim friends.   We stayed in some small towns such as Terradillos de Los Templarios, Calzadilla De Los Hermanillos and Puente Villarente.  One of our favorite hiking partners were Adriene and Ardelle - a couple from Ireland.   After a difficult health year in 2016 they decided to take a year off and travel - starting with the Camino but then extending to Asia.   They had great Stories - to go along with a great sense of humor (pics below).   Some of our best visits had us running bye the Super Mercado (grocery store) and bringing beer, wine, cheese and pastries back to the Albergue to share.  Lots of good stories and conversation always followed.    

We remained anxious to catch up with Chris-toe and finally did that in León.  He was holding court outside the Cathedral meeting Pilgrims when they entered the city and had rested his ailing toe.  He also cutt  a hole in his hiking shoe to eliminate future issues with the toe.  Genius.   It was great to be back with him and we enjoyed a happy hour with Pilgrim friends, a special Pilgrims Mass, some great tapas and a fun evening exploring León.  Excited about the days ahead but sad to be having Paul soon be leaving us to head back to San Diego.  Paul walked with us 12 days and always had a bounce to his step and excitement for the day ahead.  We will miss him but will see him upon our return to celebrate his Big 60th birthday in Virginia.   

León was also the place I finished my Camino - having started in 2013 with a very special León to Santiago walk with Julia and Taylor.  We hit the Parador in León for a drink to make the loop official.  Now I will walk this leg again - remembering so many special memories while making new ones each day.  I will hold my family even closer to my heart as we walk to Santiago - God willing.