The best part of walking the Camino de Santiago, in my opinion, are all the happy surprises that pop up along the way. We had several of those fun surprises today. The first surprise is that we did not have to walk out of the large city of Leon. Walking to and from the large cities can be dangerous as you dodge traffic, industrial areas and busy streets. Today a driver picked us up from our hotel and took us out of the city limits. We began our walking day from Hospital de Obrigo, where we found another surprise. The first steps of today’s walk would be across a long, medieval bridge adorned with flags from the period. It gave a sense of walking into 13th century Spain. It felt magical and added a sense of wonder to our morning.

Another day’s surprise is that we have now walked our way off the Masetta, which is the flat farmland we have been walking for nearly a week. Today we walked through beautiful wooded forests, winding country trails and through quaint country villages. The skies were crystal clear blue and the day was warm and dry. Mountains, hillsides and a winding Camino de Santiago made for a great way to spend the day.

My favorite surprise of the day was walking into the beautiful city of Astorga and finding one of only 3 buildings built by artist and architect Antoni Gaudi outside the Catalan region of Spain. Gaudi is most famous for the design of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. In Astorga Gaudi designed the Episcopal Palace. Donna and I spent an hour wandering through the palace, which became an art museum in the late 1950’s. Right next to the Palace is the Cathedral of Astorga. It is massive and now boasts a museum of religious art alongside the Gothic cathedral.

Orbigo bridge, built in the 13th century, was the start of our walking day.

Crossing Orbigo bridge built in the 13th century

Crossing Orbigo bridge built in the 13th century

Leaving the Masetta and finding trees again.

We have trees again!!!!

Stop for coffee in Villares de Orbigo

Stone cross that commemorates the 5th century Bishop Toribio of Astorga

Pilgrims taking a water break

This elderly couple walking the Camino holding hands. Made me smile.

Gaudi Palace in Astorga Spain

Rick Scadlock at Gaudi Palace in Spain

Inside Gaudi Palace in Astorga

Throne in Gaudi Palace in Astorga

Astorga Cathedral

Astorga Cathedral

Astorga Cathedral

Religious Art in Astorga Cathedral

Religious Art in Astorga Cathedral