About to begin. Leon

Yesterday I caught the train from Barcelona to Leon. This gave me a chance to draw breath and relax after the long journeyfrom home. While in Barcelona I had a few jobs to do, one being to buy a European charger for my phone, the other being to sort out / recharge my sim card. I also had a whole lot of bits and bobs to post to myself because i didn't need them until i reached Santiago, but decided to save this task and brave the Post Office in Leon. This proved a longer task than I anticipated, with two people serving me as they tried to work out why the printed label didn't have my name on it. To me the simplest thing would have been to write my name with a pen, but no, that wouldn't do, and so half an hour later we finally resolved it and I could leave!

What a delight it was walking from the station to where I hoped to get a bed for the night, (which I did). It was knocking off time, so much traffic, but there were many people out window shopping and enjoying the beautiful lights strung across the streets. I couldn't help smiling; - at the lights, at the family's anxious pleasure, and at being "on the road" - it was a real joy. 
                             Heading into Leon after getting off the train. 
          
No wonder everyone was out.  The Christmas lights and decorations were spectacular.  There were fun fair rides for the little children, and then there was the Christmas market in the square outside the Cathedral.  There were some stunning crafts on display, but tempting as it was I refrained from purchasing anything - even the smallest thing can be the difference between the pack feeling good, or feeling too heavy.  
                             A nativity scene made from light's.
                             The Christmas market. 
                             Heralding angels in front of the cathedral.
                             More street lights.

My new pack arrived just before I left and I am delighted with it.  It is the third Aarn pack that I have had (worn the other two out!), and this beats them all, and certainly for balance and load carrying is far superior to my Osprey.  I have relented and resorted to carrying the balance pockets, and so far have found them quite good.  I do chuckle though at the directions to put heavy things in them.  Really I have very little that is heavy.  One friend roared with laughter when I explained how I had saved 45 grams off the silk pants I planned to take by cutting 14 inches off them (they were long), and the now weigh 99 grams!
                             Setting off the next morning with the new pack and the
                             winter gear.  It was a two beanie morning!.
                     


Comments

  1. Mulga10 December 2022 at 16:26

    That's a very impressive, technical pack, Janet. It looks a lot more comfortable than the first one I bought in the late sixties - a canvas bag with leather straps on a triangular aluminium frame. I looked up the instructions on how to set up an Aarn pack - easier to learn to fly a 747. Walk well,
    Bill D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janet11 December 2022 at 22:00

      As I have been walking I have noticed that no matter how late in the day the weight is still on my hips. Other packs I have used, by the end of the day, the weight is felt on the shoulders. I am loving it.

      Delete
  2. Nicole15 December 2022 at 15:48

    Gorgeous photos Janet! Happy walking!

    ReplyDelete

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