Some memories of my day walking from Leon to Villarreal de Mazarife.

• This was my first day alone. My sister left yesterday and all the people I have got to know have disappeared into the distance. This was the moment I ha d feared the most but it was ok although a strange feeling of disorientation came over me last night. I went to mass in La Virgin del Camino and then for a tapa and a glass of wine. For the first time on this trip the waiter gave me the wrong change – five less than it should have been – and didn’t apologise when he corrected it after I asked. Somehow this made me feel vulnerable at the same time as
  being glad that I was awake enough to spot it. 
• Met a convention of pilgrims as I left Leon. Also a group of women in flamenco dresses who went off in another direction.
• In Oncina de la Valdoncina there was a stand with refreshments for pilgrims. I had a fresh orange juice and some apricots and a banana. You just give a donation. I’ve decided I must start eating better. I still have aches and pains and dry lips and my face looks old and weary. Less sugar and wine and more nuts, fruit and water. It isn’t easy to eat well as a vegetarian on the camino.
• Suddenly the city was totally gone and I was high up on a sunny plane. Only one other pilgrim in sight, a young American who is walking in sandals and has done serious hiking in the USA. Later he suggested I walk on the outsides of my feet for a while, to counterbalance the muscle strain in my legs. It worked!
• Now I am lying on bed in an empty dormitory in the albergue. I see that the interesting people have gone across the road where you can cook and it’s cheaper. There are others here but they are in private rooms and seemed a bit snooty when I spoke to them. Could be just me!
• I want to rest and sleep well and set off early tomorrow. Hoping my leg recovers soon. Small silly problems but they are making each day’s walk harder and although my energy is good, I feel slow.
• Today I cried on leaving Leon. My feet were longing to get off the concrete path but when there were patches of grass they were covered in rubbish. I suddenly felt so sad that we humans don’t value our Planet Earth home. We have messed it up so badly and too many people don’t even care. Everywhere you look there are plants and birds and animals and insects trying to survive on the soft green places but too many humans just destroy it.
• Be the solution! I decided to promise that every day I will clean up at least a little of the rubbish I find. Every day of my life.
• The Camino is all these things and so much more. Love to you all!