The famous Bridge Puento de Orbigo with myriads of arches at Hospital de Orbigo-it goes back to the 13C and famous for the Story of the knight who defended his honour when scourned by a maiden. He challenged all knights to jousting competitions. After 300 lance fights he rode victoriously to Santiago cured of love ...
We've cycled about an easy flat 12 km but it's getting hot and I can't resist dipping my feet in the Rio Orbigo...
Shoes on again....cold water is fantastic for all peregrinos feet...
We cross over the bridge and guess what we see- storks on the bell tower again..
The morning ride has been lovely- lush wheat fields once again with my favourite wild flowers. We have been escorted by the singing of frogs for a couple of hours.
That's Rob waiting for me at the bridge- I dawdle and smell the wild broom, listen to the calls of such a variety of birds, and stop often.. I am determined to take it slow. So many cyclists ride 80 kms a day and feel they can't savour the countryside or talk to fellow peregrinos. Although we are cycling we often meet our fellow peregrinos when we stop,for coffee, breakfast or and lunch..
We ride the same road as the walkers...
Australian family walking together- mother father and two daughters..,,
Rob gives another peregrino his walking sticks ... She has knee problems and is thrilled.. She is walking with Daniel who is a Professor of political Science and his friends- one is a cardiologist..
Archie preparing to have a picnic on the local park bench in hospital de Orbigo
Ok, Archie sharing now.. Great cherries and ice cold San ? Bought from local Supermercato..
Parts of our route today..
This road was tricky to ride on- needs concentration to stay on the bike! Rob falls off about twice a day... I've only fallen off once so far, touch wood.
Another pilgrim marking...
Different way marking..
Peregrino relaxing in the shade along the way..the afternoon goes up to 30 degrees..
Beautiful white field of flowers..can you see the snow in the distance?
Entering Astorga - beautiful views...
Ridiculous bridge over the railway line entering Astorga!
Yay! Only 254 km to Santiago.. ( Mahou is a local beer, delicious, we feel we need to support the Spaniards so always drink beer any time between 11 and 4 then it's vino tinto time any time from 6 pm.. I'm sure vast amounts are consumed on the way...
We're sleeping in Alberge San Javier tonight with about 40 others - we have single beds- not bunk beds! Lovely renovated stone building with original oak stairs..
We go out for supper with a group of Aussie women- good home made food,, and on the way back a band is playing and we have another glass while enjoying 9 pm sunshine and a mix of locals and peregrinos...
This is the washing at the Alberge around 9.30 p.m.
Do I need to explain this? Last shot of the day/ night around 10 pm- this is lights out time at all albergues...
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