Thursday, October 23, 2014

Rabanal Del Camino

Today we headed for the mountains and tomorrow we climb to the highest point of the entire route. We walked about 13.5 miles today, much of it was a gradual uphill climb.  After leaving Astorga this morning we walked through several small villages; had lunch in Santa Catalina and stopped off for a cold drink (water & orange juice) at a "Cowboy Bar" in El Ganso.  Below is a picture of the outside of the bar. Neither Lee or I drink wine, but it's plentiful here.  You get your choice of water or wine with every pilgrims meal.  The cost of a glass of wine is about the same as a soft drink so most people  prefer wine.  I found out the other day that those underground homes in the side of the hill are called "bodega's". They are actually wine cellars where they make and store wine in these parts.  We've seen a lot more of them lately.

Today's walk was past oak and pine trees.  Along the side of the path are little purple flowers that seem to just pop up out of the earth, no leaves, just the flower.  See picture below. Fall is definitely in the air; trees and grapevines are changing colors. It was cool heading out this morning and we needed to wear gloves for the first couple of hours.  The rest of the day was sunny and beautiful.  We've been lucky with the weather this week...I hope it continues!

Tonight we are saying in Rabanal Del Camino. This town continues a centuries old tradition of caring for the pilgrims before they take the steep path up and over Monte Irago.  The Knights Templar are thought to have a presence here as early as the 12th century ensuring the safe passage of pilgrims over this remote mountain terrain.  The parish Church of Santa Maria was reputedly built by them.  Out the window of our room is the church about 50 feet away.  We will be going there this evening to listen to Gregorian Chant with Vespers and receive a pilgrim blessing from Benedictine monks who live in the monastery.

Below is a picture of our modest hotel room with a beautiful view out the windows.  The bath tub is the smallest tub I have ever seen...it's just the perfect size for Lee and she really enjoyed it. As for me...well, I should be able to soak my feet in it at least!

We hope you enjoy our pictures from today.  Tomorrow we head up and over the mountain to Molinaseca.












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3 comments:

  1. MichelleOctober 23, 2014 at 3:57 PM

    I hope you include a small write-up about the blessings you receive tonight, in tomorrow's blog. That so awesome!
    Sending you gals energy and safe travels on your voyage tomorrow.

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  2. Taylor's Heart Gallery October 24, 2014 at 8:47 AM

    I think every day I love your journaling and photos more and more!!! Thank you for sharing so much!! I absolutely love the Cross on the stone wall, the crosses on the fence and the flowers coming up from the dense earth!! Actually i love it all and look forward to seeing and hearing your adventures! I truly wish I could be a little critter on your shoulders taking in every detail...better yet, walking with you both! I send tons of love, energy, light and hugs!! Thank you again for all you share!! It's truly phenominal! So grateful to be seeing all of this! Love and Hugs, Sue and Duke, too!!

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  3. UnknownOctober 24, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    The name of the flower is "crocus' and is very common in Sweden in spring time.

    Wikipedia - "Crocus (English plural: crocuses or croci) is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family comprising 90 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub, and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central and southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, on the islands of the Aegean, and across Central Asia to Xinjiang Province in western China".
    I bet Lee liked the bath tub..It better be well anchored or it will be gone tomorrow..

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