That sounds like a short day, right? However, it was preceded by 2 hours browsing in a museum and followed by a ramble through and about Leon, so my feet are sore.
I highly recommend the Museo Etnografico in Mansilla.
It is very well laid out, with information in English and Spanish, and gives insight to the region of Spain we are just entering – the agriculture, styles of houses and construction methods, festivals, etc. Definitely worth an hour or 2 for a pilgrim. Mansilla also has some large sections of medieval walls that are, I’m told, among the best preserved in Europe.
The rest of the day was spent trudging into Leon.
Accommodation-wise, I have raised my standard. In Mansilla, the Pension Blanca provided newly renovated single rooms with exactly the features a weary walker needs, for €25. Here in Leon, I’ve splurged €40 in the lovely Hostal Alda Casco Viejo which has all the comforts PLUS elegance and a cathedral practically next door.
NY-J and I are parting ways tomorrow – he is staying an extra day in Leon, and I will keep moving for the sake of my schedule. We celebrated with a delicious non-pilgrim dinner.