Mansilla de las Mullas to León

Hola! Buenos Dias!

It was very cold and overcast today.  I practically raced to beat the rain and it sprinkled on me as I got to Leon.  I had every bit of my warm weather gear on and as long as I didn't stop I was comfortable. It was in the high thirties when I started and never got any warmer.  They have taken snow off the forecast.

I can only imagine how cold he must have been in his waders.  He was smiling though.  Those fisherman...they are tough!  And it was fast moving water.  He had to be fighting the current.

I still love the storks!

You can see why I was hoofing it to get to my destination.  Look at those clouds.

I was just going to take a photo of the beautiful flowers and look who posed for the picture. He's a fine looking chap and he didn't even bark at me.  His look says it all.

My mileage guide said that today would be 11.2 miles.  Here is where I was at 11.2 miles.  Not even close.  My total distance was 16 miles and 36,769 steps. The trouble with that much additional mileage is that my feet get the message when it is going to be a certain mileage and then when it is further, they whine all the rest of the way.  And my stomach grumbles in protest.

This is the first chain that I have seen on the Camino.  Made me homesick!  Not for KFC but certainly for Kentucky.

 I had to walk through the "Las Cabezadas" which is the Feast Day of St. Isadore.  The Church mucketee mucks and the town councillors bow to each other in remeberance of an ancient dispute over who has what power.  There was lots of fanfare and there might have been a high mass because I saw lots of Cardinals, as well as important looking military and government officials. Security was high. I could see a little of the ceremony but couldn't get close enough for a photo.

I was so hungry when I got to León about noon but I wanted to find the hotel before the downpour.  The hotel didn't have a bar and LUNCH didn't start until 2:00 PM.  Heck, that is almost blue plate special in our country!  I braved the light rain to find this little bar. 

I ordered two of the Croquetas Cecina De León. OMG!  It was love at first bite.  They were accompanied by pimentos de pedrón.  The croquetas were fresh out of the fryer and they were basically mashed potatoes with a touch of ham rolled in breadcrumbs and fried.  These would stand up to any Southern-fried anything I have ever eaten.  They were so good I ordered two more.  Lip smacking heaven on a plate.  Dennis will be green with envy over the peppers.