Wonderful day of exploring and testing my limits. I set out for a good cup of coffee (not hard to find in Spain). Found a bakery! The day was looking up!

The town yesterday looked bleak and unwanted, but today was market day! I headed down to the Plaza Major and found the ruins of a monastery dated from 1100’s. I also saw storks actively building a nest.I came across a small plaza surrounded in lilac bushes. I stopped and buried my face in fragrance.

I thought how wonderful it was that I was able to wander the streets of this ancient town and find a moment of joy. I then headed up a tiny street to the market. The red peppers were at least 8 inches long, and such a brilliant red!

Flowers for sale!

how about some nuts?I jumped on a high speed train and cut a week off my journey. I arrived in the beautiful city of Astorga. I love this place! Here my lunch:

I wandered further into the old section and spotted two girls. This could be my sister Tina and I exploring Astorga in 20 years!I didn’t want to eat alone and after wandering around, I didn’t see anyone I knew. I went into a grocery store and bought a salad, a small bottle of wine, and ramen noodles. This was the perfect finish for the day. My little hotel had a balcony off of my room, and I ate my meal listening to the church bells ring.tomorrow I climb 12 miles up into the hills to Cruz de Ferro.