July 5

July 5
Leon to Villar de Mazarife 23.4km
We knew today was going to be a hot one when at 7:30am it was already in the 80's. The camino was fairly flat today and we were able to cruise along and complete todays stage by noon before the heat really set in. The time went by very quickly as we linked up with several other pilgrims and had some great conversations. It really makes the kilometers go faster.
Our albergue is very nice with a well trimmed grass lawn and reclining lawn chairs under a shade cover with a wonderful breeze. Lorie was able to do a little yoga in the garden and we relaxed and visited with pilgrims. We will have dinner here tonight, homemade paella, and hit the road early before the sun beats down. As nice as this albergue is, it is just one room with 50 beds.
We have entered more of a grassland or cereal belt leading to the foothills of the mountains on the other side of Astorga, where we will end tomorrow.
In relply to Ryan´s question about irrigation, yes most fields are under irrigation as this part of Spain is very dry. We have seen two types of irrigation, using cement canals which carry water along the edge of the fields. The farmers tap into them allowing the water to pour over the fields down the furrows. The other is using wound up water lines or layed piping that then spray water over the crops.
Our boots are holding up great and we do not expect to wear them out, but today we walked with two people who are on their fourth pair of shoes, some of that is due to blisters and sores. We are glad to have good boots and good feet when walk on ancient Roman roads like these.
Buen camino