Leon
June 6, 2009
The good news is that I’m conserving sunscreen. Today makes it even, three days of sunny riding, and three days of riding in the rain. Having said that it rained, I don’t want to anger the weather gods; it only rained for the last 20 kilometers into Leon. The forecast is for more rain and it’s a sure bet that things can be a lot worse. Rest assured that it will have to be a really wet day in Spain before a dry cubicle at Boeing is more appealing.
Last night I watched the fights on television (with the locals) in the hotel bar. It was like any other sporting event except that this was man against bull. I was apprehensive about watching although I’m glad to have stuck around. It was a little gory with blood streaming off the bull’s shoulders, but the final blow didn’t seem that traumatic, to me anyway. I was impressed with how still the matador stood as the bull passed within inches of his back. The beef that makes it to Safeway’s meat counter may come from cattle that have been abused more than the bull. I don’t want to sermonize or romanticize, just comment.
View from my hotel room
Today’s ride was an enjoyable 57 miles. Even the rain was bearable since the temperature was about 60 degrees. Of course there was plenty of uphill in what seemed like it should have been a flat or downhill day. The lesson for me, should be to treat every day with respect.
Poppies are in bloom
Temporary shelter from the storm
The road I took into the city led directly to the main tourist area near the Cathedral. The tourist office recommended checking at a local college dormitory. The room has its own bath, wireless internet, and breakfast for 20 euros. It may get interesting later tonight since there are still enough (i.e.- more than one) students to make an unholy racket.
The Leon Cathedral has the most amazing stained glass I’ve ever seen. It is even more impressive than the cathedral in Paris across from Notre Dame. There are lots of tourists here. I’ve heard a few English-speaking people for the first time in a week. Once again I am on the Camino Santiago and there are lots of people with backpacks or bikes doing the route to Santiago de Compostela. It looks like another reason to return, like I don’t already have enough reasons.
Leon Cathedral
View Larger Map
Tomorrow may be challenging getting out of the city and to Zamora. I should be ready for a full day since it looks to be about 90 miles. The furthest day to this point was 77 miles.
If anyone knows why my pictures are sideways (operator error isn't a satisfactory answer) leave me a comment.
The good news is that I’m conserving sunscreen. Today makes it even, three days of sunny riding, and three days of riding in the rain. Having said that it rained, I don’t want to anger the weather gods; it only rained for the last 20 kilometers into Leon. The forecast is for more rain and it’s a sure bet that things can be a lot worse. Rest assured that it will have to be a really wet day in Spain before a dry cubicle at Boeing is more appealing.
Last night I watched the fights on television (with the locals) in the hotel bar. It was like any other sporting event except that this was man against bull. I was apprehensive about watching although I’m glad to have stuck around. It was a little gory with blood streaming off the bull’s shoulders, but the final blow didn’t seem that traumatic, to me anyway. I was impressed with how still the matador stood as the bull passed within inches of his back. The beef that makes it to Safeway’s meat counter may come from cattle that have been abused more than the bull. I don’t want to sermonize or romanticize, just comment.
View from my hotel room
Today’s ride was an enjoyable 57 miles. Even the rain was bearable since the temperature was about 60 degrees. Of course there was plenty of uphill in what seemed like it should have been a flat or downhill day. The lesson for me, should be to treat every day with respect.
Poppies are in bloom
Temporary shelter from the storm
The road I took into the city led directly to the main tourist area near the Cathedral. The tourist office recommended checking at a local college dormitory. The room has its own bath, wireless internet, and breakfast for 20 euros. It may get interesting later tonight since there are still enough (i.e.- more than one) students to make an unholy racket.
The Leon Cathedral has the most amazing stained glass I’ve ever seen. It is even more impressive than the cathedral in Paris across from Notre Dame. There are lots of tourists here. I’ve heard a few English-speaking people for the first time in a week. Once again I am on the Camino Santiago and there are lots of people with backpacks or bikes doing the route to Santiago de Compostela. It looks like another reason to return, like I don’t already have enough reasons.
Leon Cathedral
View Larger Map
Tomorrow may be challenging getting out of the city and to Zamora. I should be ready for a full day since it looks to be about 90 miles. The furthest day to this point was 77 miles.
If anyone knows why my pictures are sideways (operator error isn't a satisfactory answer) leave me a comment.
posted by Gary and Jani at 11:41 AM
3 Comments:
Even with the rain, you're making me have illusions of getting a bike and following you around next time. I envy your ability to enjoy the journey.
"Rest assured that it will have to be a really wet day in Spain before a dry cubicle at Boeing is more appealing."
AMEN.
BB
ZRI,
los dos pasados dias no he podido chequear el blog.
Espero llegar a tiempo, antes de que avandones Zamora ... vete a el Bar "Los Lobos" (todo el mundo lo conoce) y pide un "pincho moruno" (una buena hora las 13:30 o 20:00).
Y un helado "cucurucho de turron" en la "Valenciana" (tambien la conoce todo el mundo).
Interesante, el puente romano y la catedral (no tanto como la de Leon).
Summary:
Bar "Los Lobos" (every body will know where it is) ask for "pincho moruno" (good time could be around 13:30 or 20:00).
After (close to there) a ice cream "cucurucho de turron" at the "Valenciana" (also every body know ).
You will need energy now that you will start with the "hill-est" part of the road.
Good luck and keep enjoying ...
Salamanca (don´t forget the "Domicos", the "University" and the street between them) Segovia will not be less than Leon.
And remember that half of the Salamanca population during the year are university-students ... be ready at night ...
It must be pretty hilly if all your photos are tipping over on their sides. Or has the rain softened the ground enough that your camera rolls over?
It appears that the weather gods have transferred Spanish weather to the Pacific Northdriest.
Enjoying your fun writing style and taking a virtual trip in Spain.
Steve F
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