I don’t sleep that bad considering the amount of people I’m sharing with. I wake around six but don’t start getting up until gone half past, I’m not in any rush today.
7.30am, I’m packed and ‘twiddling’ my thumbs… I want to make a start. I head out of the albergue with all my gear (wearing flip flops) and with the help of a city map I make my way towards the shoe repairers. I find it surprisingly easily. Next I search for the closest open coffee shop, were I sit and wait for the next hour and a bit, drinking possibly too many coffees.
8.45am and I’m waiting outside the shop, it’s cold when I’m not walking, very cold. A lady opens the shop dead on 9am, I go in and wait, shivering. The workers arrive at 9.15am and finish off a few bits on my boots. It costs just over 30€ but they look good. I put them on and look for my path out of the city.
The boots feel much heavier and my heals are hurting already, add to this the bad signs for leaving León and I’m not happy. Still I’m walking solo again which makes a nice change. I can take my time.
Once I’m out of the city, the Camino splits again. Everyone told me to take the left route, because it’s nicer, but it’s also 9km longer. I opt for the shorter route along the roads, mainly for my feet but I can’t help thinking to myself there’ll be less pilgrims. I’m right I spot maybe three all day.
The walking is slow and painful, awkward looking is an understatement. I haven’t had blisters for 48 days and now I’ve got new ones. Oh well, yet more obstacles to overcome!
It’s just gone 2pm and I’m entering the town of Villadangos del Páramo, I’ve had a nice quiet walk today despite the pain and the traffic. I get myself into the albergue and have a nap, at 5pm I’m going to pop to the pharmacy to get some more tape and padding for my new blisters. Ah the lifestyles of the poor and non famous?!!