The Pilgrimage Day 18

Well first 'Hello' from Malcolm - I now have the envious task of following Jenny's missives on behalf of the pedaling duo so i hope you find my words as interesting and entertaining. Here goes...



Tonight's stop over is in Mansilla de las Mulas and the intrepid duo have pushed those pedals for 62.31 miles today.



Having stopped at Sahagun for lunch the option was to continue for another 49 miles with no breaks. Having monitored the weather they decided to opt for this and, I'll be blowed, the wind was IN THEIR FAVOUR!!!! It remained so all day and although overcast it actually made the cycling much more bearable.



There were few hills Ben only getting into granny gear 2 or three times for short durations but there was absolutely .... all to see, only took one picture of a herdsman with his goats. Just miles of wheat, barley and oats (and from the farmers eye (Ben) not very good at that) with no trees nearby.



What they did see was to the north was the Picos de europa, a range of mountains that stop the Baltic wind and weather from hitting Spain - so mountains do have their uses!



When in Carrion de los Condes last night, staying in a Convent, the intrepid duo went out for a meal and then sat in the market square watching the local youth having a game of football. Ben says it was great to watch them all joining in and the cars slowing down for them, with the mothers sitting around the bars getting drunk! He was enthralled by the 'beauty' of the scene.



Tonight, in contrast, there is nothing happening - the place is dead and is a reflection of what happens to the small towns and villages along the roads where a motorway has been built. The places have no visitors and so the bars, cafes, and hostels close down. If it wasn't for the Pilgrims this town would also die completely as would many along the route.



Ben is intrigued by the number of nesting Storks - they are everywhere, on the top of industrial building and churches and tonight he has seen at least three nesting pairs. So, a question from Ben: What do Storks feed on and is it likely that the same pairs use the same nests each year?



Our pedal pushers are also delighted with the friendship shown between the walking pilgrims and the cycling pilgrims. With the exception of a couple everyone is extremely friendly and this is making the journey an experience.



Tomorrow they are going to Leons and then to Astoga where they may rest their weary bones and bikes for a bit of sightseeing. I don't blame them and i hope they have a great day! More on that tomorrow though...



Hats off to both of them and from a very jealous friend - keep going lads you are doing brilliant!



Malcolm