Day 12: Astorga to Molinesca: Astorga is an incredible town. There is artifactual evidence dating back 200,000 years to the earliest known Spaniards as well as Romans, Vikings, Visigoths and others all took turns sacking the city. Worth looking up the history on this one. In addition to the history, it also boast one of only 3 Gaudí Palaces outside of Catalonia. Christina found a wonderful hotel that is also a spa right in the middle of old town. Outside the door is a square and we found a place to sit and enjoy Belgian beer Leffe Red on draft which I have not seen in the United States even in a bottle - it was delicious after the long day. We waited for Amy to shower up and then went down a narrow cobblestone road into the heart of the village and the main square that is typical of the villages. After some local wine paired with burgers after a tomato, basil and arugula salad, we promptly passed out with our a/c cranked to full.

We all woke up to a bright day, the first in three that there was no threat of rain. Amy came down at the appointed time to launch after breakfast at 7:30am. Her face puffy and eyes red she told me she is really tired. Getting out on the trail I realized I was also really fatigued, deep in my legs I could feel the hurt of the past 500km.

The stage was not supposed to be super difficult but that is not what we found out. While the temperature was great in the morning, it went to 90 by the afternoon. The trail took us up to about 5,000’ over the first 35km. Every time we thought we reach the top we would wind around the summit and see another peek in the distance. The biggest nuisance were the flies swarming around everyone. We have never seen anything like it, no one could get away from them. I took a video if interested in seeing below.

Finally reaching the summit the trail turned down and that is when it started to really hurt: a single track, rocky, technical, steep trail went down for 15km. By the end of the day, my legs were jello. Thankfully I never fell even though there were a few close calls. Amy on the other hand was energized by the trails which she calls home.

We start a new chapter today as Yash and Jacqueline join us from the United States, specifically Marsh Landing. After hearing about the adventure, he thought it might be fun to try and join for the last five days. Asking me if I thought he could do it got a predictable response from me, “of course!” He has put in the miles training over the past few months and Yash will begin his first multi-day run experience tomorrow. Their adventure began when their flights connecting from Amsterdam to Madrid was canceled. They made another flight to Madrid and arrived in Leon at midnight last night…with no luggage. Christina went back to pick up Yash and bring him forward to us so he can run tomorrow while Jacqueline stayed behind in Leon waiting for the luggage. The adventure begins…

So many images from the trail today.

Cheers,

David.