Neil: Our first rest day . León was the old capital of Spain before Madrid. A little history….The Moors had conquered all of Spain except a small part of Asturias. From there the reconquista as the Spanish call it saw them gradually evicted from Spain between AD 722 and 1492 . It took a long time ! The apostle James was seen in a vision which became Santiago Matamoros ( St James the Moor-slayer) . This iconic figure is celebrated all along the Camino as the land was cleared . This together with the bones of St James ( more in a few days ) founded the Pilgramage which we are on . Lots to see in León with its cathedral and wonderful stained glass. We spent the morning though in one of Gaudi’s amazing constructions. Such a talented man . His tutor was said to say “ he’d either become a brilliant architect or a madman”.  He was certainly brilliant. 

We can begin to see the end now maybe 8-9 days more . We decide we will stay in a Parador at the end for two nights and then negotiate how to get back to Santander! we have been so lucky with the weather, raining a little today but hey we are not cycling!