Leon at last!

Leon Cathedral : Santa Maria de la Regla

What must the pilgrims of old have made of such a cathedral as this?  After walking all those miles across the Pyrenees and through Pamplona to Logrono and Burgos - all three with magnificent cathedrals which must have transported them to heaven, they arrive here in Leon and enter a palace of light beyond all their imaginings.  Built between the C13 - C15, Santa Maria de la Regla  has 1,800 square meters of stained glass which take the breath away, no less for those pilgrims of yore than for us 21C visitors with our access to the internet and our comfortable footwear and easy-dry clothing.  We often think in awe of those who went before us with so many greater difficulties than we experience.

My walk is over!  Last night I stayed at the big municipal hostel near the cathedral,  in a room for 18, linked to similar dorms in the old Benedictine monastery inide the ancient city walls.  Having walked about 20 kms I slept soundly til 6.00, oblivious of snores or rustlings.  This evening I stay at another converted monastery but this one in great luxury, feeling the need for some privacy and space! A chance to spread out my things and get really clean! Check it out here : http://www.hotelrealcolegiata.es/ 

I will be sorry not to reconnect with the wonderful people met along the Way, but many edresses have been exchanged and the memories will remain.  It has been a very special time and will long be treasured.  Thank you all so much once again for the amazing response to the charity appeal.  You have all been remembered and prayed for during the days on the path, and at various masses.  Now I will bustle out into the warmth of another sunny day and visit some of the wonderful treasures of this city which was founded by the Romans in 29BC.  Tomorrow I catch an afternoon train to Bilbao and on Saturday fly home via Dublin.  I will publish a final picture post in a week or so when I get a chance to download my own photos.

Buen Camino to you all.  Hasta luego!