Walking in the dark by the light of the moon and stars was nice. Orion was to my left and I walked in the road because it was more even and smoother than the path. Watching it get lighter was energizing. This area was starting to be a little more verdant that the last two days. I had not seen anyone except for some cycling pilgrims and there was almost no traffic.
Long, long day. 37km was going to be painful and I had motivated myself yesterday by telling myself I could catch a train to Leon at 8:46am and be in Leon at 9:20 for about 4€. After walking for nearly 2 hours I saw that train heading to Leon. I thought, it looks like a nice day and I feel pretty good ... no problem, I will put on some music and grind this out.
Listening to music about 8km in, I could sense a pilgrim gaining on me. When he caught up to me I saw it was English Robert whom I had met in Torres del Rio with his son Jake. He slowed down and we started walking together. We walked and talked all the way to the first town Reliegos at 13km. Over 1/3 done and that wasn't so bad. We had coffee and some food.
Marie and an Austrian guy walked up. We chatted for a bit and then Robert and I headed out.
Again, the next 6km passed quickly and we were half way. Having coffee again Marie and Austrian guy walked up and joined us. Austrian guy - forgot his name - was finished for the day and had a beer. Then had a mini panic when he realized his phone was missing. He was done for the day and had put it down in his hotel room. Crisis averted!
Marie had planned on staying in this town but after coffee declared she would go all the way to Leon with us. Then it started to rain.
Robert, Marie and I walked together all the way to Leon. I don't think it would have been possible without them. The conversation passed the time and we kept each other going through pouring rain. Most of the time it wasn't heavy but after our last stop with 8km to go it picked up.
My Hokkaido friends were in the bar at the last stop and we were all pretty wet. Food and coffee helped.
When we came down the hill with Leon in sight the rain was steady. Then we were in the city but the map still said we had 3km to go. Robert peeled off to his hotel but I think he may have gone in the wrong direction. Hope he got it right. That will probably be a story for another day.
Marie and I continued into Centro. We found a bar to have a drink and get out of the rain to look at the directions to our respective hotels. Phones basically don't work when your hands are wet and your glasses are all steamed up.
A couple of beers/wines and the little snacks that come with was a nice end to a long day. It turned out her place was right next door and mine was about 100 meters further around the corner.
Best hot shower ever! My plan now is to get some dinner around the corner and straight to bed.
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