The Camino finally turned away from the road today! The path was mostly along rural dirt roads, through farm fields and some forests.
The "donativo" pictured above was a nice surprise along the way. Donativos are stations set up by locals usually offering snacks and beverages along some of the longer stretches. Payment is voluntary, by donation (hence the name). Usually there is little more than a folding chair next to the trail, often unattended.
This one was far more elaborate, with coffee, fresh juice, a wide selection of fruits and baked goods, and a garden with various places to lounge.
Unfortunately, the temperature was climbing fast, so most folks (including me) made a quick stop and then kept moving.
Speaking of temperature, we peaked at 85 degrees today, and it's still 80 at 9pm. And I'm in a bunk room in the attic space of an old building. 🥵
Tomorrow will be over 90. Unusual here, especially in late spring! I've decided to hide in an air-conditioned hotel tomorrow. At least I should get a good night's sleep that way.
This afternoon I kept cool with an excellent 4 course meal of Cocido Maragato at a Michelin recommended restaurant - that only serves Cocido Maragato, for 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. It's that good. 😃 (And far less expensive than you are thinking! 😉)
After that, I explored Astorga's cathedral, which is built from the 15th to 18th centuries, so it is a mixture of styles, but more or less German gothic. While not as jaw-dropping as Leon's marvelous cathedral, this one is still impressive with an ornate entrance and high vaulted ceilings.
Tomorrow: Hotel La Peseta, staying in Astorga.