A quick POST CARD To say the sun is shining and may do so for one more day. I did a slow paced 16 km to Astorga. About 3/4 of the way there I came to David and Andre´´s Snack stand.
It was a cart about 4x8x10 and it was loaded with little treats such as PEANUT BUTTER - my favorite- cakes, cookies, teas and coffee and fruit. The message was don´t litter, do recycle, be kind to the Camino. None of the items were for sale - if you wanted something take it. If you wanted to leave a donation you could. There was a real Camino buzz about the place. Walked with a gentleman from BC, Canada and a mother daughter team from Wisconson/Idaho.
Notice how fine the weather is in these pictures.A few puddles from yesterday's rain are evident.
Reached Astorga in time to get an afternoon tour of the Gaude Palace and the Cathedral. Had a nice pilgrim dinner with a soup of potatoes, octopus and shrimp followed by a Veal chop
with FF and rice pudding.
Had hoped to go to Mass at the Cathedral, but it was only at noon.
Sunday walk began at 7:45 and it was still dark, but plenty of city street lights. It was another beautiful day and I walked a good pace for 23 km to Rabinal del Camino. Just as I got to the edge of the Village I could hear singing. Ahead of me was the local church and Mass had just begun at 12:30. I stepped in and stayed for the service in the simple chapel. When it was over all the parishioners went to the front of the church they gathered up flags and banners and a Statue called Our Lady of the Pilar. It was her feast day and the ladies of the parish carried the statue on a litter. We marched through town to another nearly abandoned chapel along the way singing hymns and praying. Traffic stopped while this took place.
Monday - another perfect day Walking to the highest point on the Camino 1500 meters - 4500 feet plus a little more. The actual climb up was only 300 meters over 10 km while the decent was 900 meters over about 8 km. I took two days to do the downhill portion.
Tuesday - finished the downhill today with a little added on. Left the Village of Acebo at 8am still very dark. Met a group of pilgrims looking for the path. 2 Austrian women, a South African woman and two Korean men. We walked for 45 minutes before one of the group said we are not in the right place. By this time it was light. and we were giddy with a sense of adventure wandering around on goat paths and getting our bearings. The weather and scenery were perfect. We all enjoyed this opportunity to be together and enjoy the beauty around us. About a half an hour later we found a road and a yellow arrow pointing us to the Camino. Tomorrow I´m off to Villafranca Del Bierzo 23km. and then shorter days with steep climbs.
This is the third time that I cannot leave my message. Worked well both times but it is not letting me save. Love all your writings and have not been able to tell you so. This time when I used preview, I was taken to "sign-in" and that meant nothing saved. Was happy to see that Singing in the Rain replaced Melting in the rain. You are amazing to be exerting so much energy and yet at the end of your day, you share your thoughts and day and even the menus with all us followers! And then you retire. For that we are grateful.
ReplyDeleteTe deseo buen ánimo por las montañas. ¡Cuídate bien! Hasta la próxima ves....
We are really impressed with your physical and spiritual achievements. Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteI met Ginny Borowski, who now lives at 37 Allerton. Very nice lady and taking good care of your Brewster estate. She has a doggie, but about 1/4 the size of Votzy.
Keep up the good work-Benita and Ed
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello Mel:
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your plan is going well including enjoyable surprises; days full of wonders and wonderful people. On weekends we look forward to reading your travel notes. Love, E & E