Day 26 San Martin del Camino to Astorga

14.5 miles. The Camino Princess is having a problem adjusting to the pilgrim 'way'; last night's lodging was in a tiny village in a private albergue which also has rooms. The heat didn't come on until 5 pm, and it is off sometime in the middle of the night .....  Brrrrr! Even though the highs are now in the 60's, the lows still drop into the 30'a or low 40's.  A 2 blanket night and a bad pilgrim attitude! However, the communal dinner was good, which was wonderful, since it was the only source of food in town.

The path today was along the busy road until Hospital de Orbigo. The long bridge just before town has a Roman foundation, and medieval upgrades. The big sandy area in front  is used for jousting during the town's medieval fairs. Once through the little town, the foothills appear with oak and pine forests. The 'Way' is now becoming scenic again. Just before the hilltop town of Astorga, the mountains are finally visible and will be experienced tomorrow.

Before walking up to the town, you cross the railroad tracks on an elaborate raised platform. The locals use a little path off the side and simply walk over the tracks. This area was a large Roman trading center, so has Roman walls on the hill, and the foundations of a Roman villa complete with  mosiac floor in town.

I am in a lovely small hotel, right across from the  Palacio designed by the Spanish architect, Gaudi, who also designed a famous cathedral in Barcelona. Today is a holiday, so except for bars and restaurants, everything is closed. You now get to see my favorite meal in Spain, the Insalta Mixta with Tuna. Very healthy.