Leon! Oct. 3 - 6

Having finally found Dave at the side of the road in Mansilla de las Mulas - such exotic names! - we settled the group at the bus station.  We have all decided after the horrendous experience getting into Burgos, that wheels are the way to go and gives us more rest time in Leon. 

I was very grateful to have Dave as map reader coming into another very large city!  The phone maps are great but the least little turn might not show up fast enough and suddenly we are two blocks past the right spot!

This hotel is definitely a splurge - right on Plaza Mayor and only steps from the Cathedral which is magnificent!  The sun catches all it's angles all day and at night it is completely lit and glows in the Plaza Regla.

We have managed to hit another festival!  San Froilan.  There are ceramics, art, and all manner of crafts for sale.  People are dressed in traditional costume and medieval costume.  The shopping kiosks set against the ancient buildings makes it look like we've stepped back in time!

Another splurge here was an actual restaurant meal - something other than the Pilgrim Menu del Dia was definitely needed - so, we found our way to a little place for a traditional dish called Bacalao.  It is a fish stew type of dish - usually cod - this version done in a huge clay pot which served the table.  An appetizer was white asparagus stuffed with crab!  White asparagus is everywhere - much fatter then regular with a sweeter taste.  It was another delightful evening!

Now I'm going to see if I can have one last look at the Cathedral - it being Sunday and all - and then meet Clare who will ride with me today to give her Achilles tendon one more day of rest.