October 11
Leon to Villar de Mazarife 21km
It was a longish walk out of the town this morning. After a couple of days rest my legs were bright and energetic. I engaged my ‘pilgrim pace’ to try and put the dark streets behind me. Everyone else was making their way into town at the start of a new day, students were waiting for buses, cars were driving towards me.
At last the sky lightened and the city was left behind. I took a variant of the route after a cup of coffee in a wayside cafe away from the main road accompanied by a Finnish women I had met in the cafe. I had to concentrate to keep up with her! Deep in conversation the kilometres passed unnoticed. I reached the Albergue by midday. Fortunately it was open.
The land is still flat here
A wayside rest area
And more road
Arriving at the Albergue early enabled an early lunch
I have only just discovered this beer with lemon – 2% alcohol. It seemed an odd mixture to me until I tasted it and then realised it is a delicious Shandy! I’m going to have more of that.
This is a little village I am staying in
House on the Meseta:
There is a wonderful little church lovingly cared for. Outside is this happy looking Pilgrim
The dormitory is empty tonight. Only 5 people sleeping it. Great. 
Longer day tomorrow. The last on the Meseta.
Roger's Wanderings 
You didn’t say in your blog how old the Finnish lady was although you did tell me on the phone…..amazing woman.
I’ve a new word in my vocabulary now… variant. I must find ways of including it in my every day life!!
Love the pilgrim.
Enjoy the meseta today….the hills are calling. Ultreia xx (another new word)
Yes, the Finnish lady was older than me and walked faster. She had spent her youth in the country with a Five km walk to school. Sometimes in the snow. Sometimes in the dark. They were told not to let young kids out alone because of the wolves. She said she saw wolves but they were never any problem. I. Winter it could get down to -30°.
She was a tough person. Not surprising considering her childhood experiences!