Day 13 June 1 Astorga to Rabanal del Camino

13 miles today.

Our Hotel this evening was A Cruz de Ferro.

We had a great day just like yesterday. It started with a great breakfast Americano and strong coffee at el hotel. A South African couple joined us for breakfast and we leapfrogged with them all day. We saw many faces of pilgrims met in other cities and villages in the last 10 days. Other we may never see again.

We were quickly out of the city and into the country on the dirt path again. As we passed thru several small villages on the way to our destination, we had coffees, ice cream and cold drinks. We finally learned the name of our Canadian friend with the blisters, Lucia. Hadn't seen her in a couple days.

The terrain today was more rugged as we approached the foothills. Snow covered peaks in the distance. Scrub oak and pines replace the fields of cereal. Just before Rabanal we passed a fence that went forever covered in wooden crosses made by pilgrims. Ann-Marie stopped to make one. We arrived in Rabanal del Camino about 2:15, a record for 13 miles. Did not even need a nap.

 

After amber replacement fluids, showers and washing, we sit on the Main Street and watch the pligrims go by. We are temporary townies! They are jealous that we are finished! There is a service at the Monastery tonight that we will attend. The monks do Gregorian Chants and it begins at 7pm. Dinner at the Hosteria A Cruz de Ferro; meatballs, mashed potatoes and salad.

The Benedictine Monks service was very beautiful. The Monk responsible for the chanting was so amazing singing all of the psalms and prayers. As he would call, the associate monk and the attendees would respond.

Buen Camino

 

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