Camino Pilgrim

On the map this day seemed very long, but it was just going straight into León in parallel with one of the main highways into the big city. Not sure why my distance perception is changing. Things that I can see even kilometers away seem close enough for a quick hike, but if I look at them drawn on a map, then it seems like forever.

Entering this city through the suburbs is quite a nice walk. Very little time spent in any industrial zone. The old town of León is so well kept, that pilgrims who like to take rest days should definitely take a day off here (but its not for me).

I feel a bit worn out today. Physically, hiking was quite easy and recovery speed still continues to improve, but the mind keeps slipping away. I was deep in my own thoughts all day, going from one old memory to another, filtering through everything and making learning points for myself before moving on. Maybe it is part of a mental healing process.

Tomorrow I will listen to music while walking for the first time to go even deeper into thoughts. I guess nature is not so exciting for the brain anymore and I need to find new solutions to how to use the time that I have here on the road. Before, I avoided using distractions like music to keep myself more present in the moment, but the landscape has not really changed in so many days.

The Meseta desert region is finally over now. Everything will change soon and I will get to hike the mountains again. Looking forward to altitude climbs kicking my butt.

Cruz de Ferro (iron cross) is coming in a few days and I still have not figured out what burdens I want to leave behind in the shape of a rock that I have been carrying in my backpack since France. Maybe that is what I should figure out tomorrow.