Chemin de Joseph: Corn Nuts

I know, a strange name for a blog post. But you'll soon understand why I chose that name.

Back in the early 1990s while I was a seminarian in Rome, I heard about corn nuts for the first time. I tried them and a love affair was born. In my opinion they're even better than corn or tortilla chips because they have a deeper "crunch". Before you dismiss me as a junque-food addict, know that I don't have them too often... because they're too darn hard to find! I know a place on I-95 north of Richmond that sells them, but other than that, they're surprisingly difficult to come across.

Well, I am happy to say that España loves corn nuts! You can find them in almost any convenience-type store. This has made me a happy hiker!

The last two hikes have been hard, so I treated myself to some corn nuts this afternoon. On Saturday I had to walk through the city of León. Walking through a city is doubly hard, as you have to watch for traffic, watch for the trail markers, and walk on hard concrete and asphalt surfaces. It really takes a toll on a hiker. After I had navigated myself through León (I got very lost, but fortunately was able to get directions from the pastry shops), I then had to walk 8 km (5 miles) through suburban concrete to get to the albergue. What a day!

This sign at a fix-it motorino shop in Mansilla de las Mulas reminded me of mopeds when I used to live in Rome.

This is a terrible photo of a magnificent cathedral in León, Spain. Although smaller than the cathedral in Burgos, it's more impressive. Both are masterpieces of gothic church architecture. I was just awestruck when I entered.

This photo was taken west of León. The Camino is seemingly endless!

This sign is found EVERYWHERE on the Camino. It is saying that this a private hunting reserve. Luckily, I wear a bright orange jacket so I can avoid being shot!