A Happy Reunion
Who knew sunrise on the truck stop could be so gorgeous? It was actually a pretty quiet night. The room itself was a little too warm and the beds a little too soft. Not the greatest night for getting sleep. Luckily, today is only a 12-mile day.
Breakfast downstairs in the cafeteria was solid, in terms of being substantial. Once again the yolks were a little softer than I usually like. Some bacon, coffee, toast, and jam brought it all together. Then it was out the door and down the trail.
On the way out of town there was a church with several stork nests up in the spire. They're beautiful to watch fly, and interesting to hear as they make their own particular sound.
The route itself was fairly monotonous again today – just about flat and very straight. The few highlights on the way were a couple of passing trains, some cows, and an old irrigation pump that was placed to attract pilgrims down the spur to a local hostel.
One definite highlight today had nothing to do with the scenery. When we stopped for our coffee break along the trail, we spotted Ralph. This is the very first person we met on the Camino when we started out, back on April 11. He was exuberant to see us again, and the feeling was mutual.
We were genuinely concerned for his welfare. He had put his health at risk with any exertion, as he’d confessed to having some heart issues and five stents in place. The climb through the Pyrenees was demanding on anybody, even those in the best of conditions. It was pure joy to see him there in good health.
Later, we entered the city through some historic gates. Little of the original wall still exists, but it does mark the path of the pilgrims over the centuries.
The town of Mansilla de Las Mulas itself is picturesque and incredibly quiet. We managed to find a small cafe for lunch. Once again the go-to meal was tortilla, that quiche-like potato and egg pie. The difference today was that we washed it down with a lemon-flavored beer: una clara. It was actually delightful in the warm weather, but I'm not sure I will make it my go-to beverage when I get home.
It is incredibly quiet here again in town. You can hear birds of any number of varieties. Even along the trail there seem to be way more birds than I'm accustomed to back home. Maybe it is because of all the farmland and available food. Or, maybe it's because there are not many people around to disturb them.
It is nice to sit out here on the patio and let the evening wash over you, with the sun beginning to set.
Dinner will be here at the hotel, and then back to sleep to start all over again tomorrow. Destination: Leon. This will be one of our big cities on the way to Santiago. While I ponder the route, Spence finds innovative ways to dry his wet socks.
