I left Leon when it was still dark, the year is turning and I am travelling forever west, so it is not getting light until close to 8:00 am. Trying to follow the Camino out of Leon was a bit tricky. In the dark I heard my name, it was Maria from Friday, I wondered how she recognised me, I always wear my silly hat, not so difficult. She was going totally the wrong way, but we navigated to the bridge together then said goodbye. It took a while to leave the city and the suburbs ( it is a lovely city, worth a visit) but finding open countryside was wonderful as it has been such a beautiful day. The character of the plateau has changed, initially today it was largely scub dotted with oak trees. I saw a Red Kite, they are such beautiful birds. Not seen any since the pyrenees. 

In the afternoon the path cut through high waving whispering corn. The mountains from Friday are still ahead. I am on the frayed north western edges of the plateau now. I think I reach the mountains tomorrow. 

I have now spent enough time on the Camino to have a reasonably good idea of who comes to walk, how they do it and why. 

To start with who comes; it is very varied, and interestingly, as I have walked, always leaving loose groups of fellow travellers behind, the demographics have changed somewhat , I have not really worked out why.  Initially,most people I met were 60 +. A lot of retirees kicking off their retirement, but I have met several travellers, well into their seventies, just taking every day as it comes, including Casey this morning, who left St Jean 4 weeks ago, but just enjoying himself . The retirement thing makes a lot of sense. To come out here for 5 weeks or so takes a big time commitment, quite a big financial one, and undoubtedly a mental one. At the moment there are more young people around. For them it really is a big deal, they need to save, and probably quit their job. It would be much more glamorous to go back packing in South America or South East Asia.

90%+ of the people I have met are 'going all the way' which has surprised me a little . I thought there would be a bigger proportion of the 'dipping in and out' people around  Those who are fitting in stages when they can. I think I will come across more of these people over the final stages, once the plateau is finished. 

More on these things in the next few days, including 'the hierarchy'inevitable in this discombobulated transient  society. 

For now I am in a pretty little town with a stunning, if over restored 13th C bridge. Bunks again  tonight, but now  in a little local bar  having a beer and just going to find some food . I will post photos when the signal is better