May 7, 2014
Leon, Spain
April, Victoria, and I trained up to Leon yesterday. It all happened so quickly when we got to Sahagun and stopped to see the train schedule...the train arrived right then...we hopped on and Marjukka said she wasn't coming. Whoa! When the train pulled out it felt so weird to be without her. And 45 minutes later we were in a big city! What a time warp. And feeling off balance with one of the Four Crazy Ladies not there. But we understood Marjukka needed to hike her own hike and we admired her strength to do what she needed.
We jumped ahead because of Victoria's schedule. And I didn't care if I saw more of the plains. The train was a fun change:).
Victoria was hobbling due to shin splints which made searching for a nice place a challenge because she wasn't up to walking much. Add to that the poor and inaccurate info from the touristico and we struggled until we found a convent albergue for 5 €. The best part was the separate floors for men and women:). Kept the snorers away.
In the morning, I suggested we go see the other albergue since we had to pack up anyways. (This is a train and peregrinos are allowed to only stay one night. We have to be out by 8 am. If you're injured you need to find a private place to stay.). Well, this albergue is actually residential housing for the university and very nice! We decided on a quad for 40 € even though there was only 3 of us. Private room with a bath! Luxury!! After dropping our packs we went looking for coffee. Now kind you, it's only 8:30 am and nothing is open...seriously! This is Spain! We did find a cafe next to the cathedral and went in for coffee and munchies. Sitting in the front corner together, April shouts "There's Marjukka!" Stop kidding around, April. But we turn and look out the window, and she's walking through the plaza in front of the cathedral. Like a mirage! OMG! We screamed and ran out to hug her. How crazy is that? This huge city and she gets off the train, walks to the cathedral, and we spot her. As simple as that! Trail magic! Miracles! Marjukka is hiking to learn to trust and look what her trust brought to her!
It gives me goose bumps.
Livin' the dream,
BagLady
