Yesterday, we had another long day and covered over 20 miles, although it wasn't supposed to be that far. We've now gone over 70 miles in 3 days and an afternoon, but our paws tell us we won't be able to keep that up.
The start was a little dull as we walked 10 km in a completely straight line. It then got more interesting as we walked to the historic Hospital de Orbigo, crossing the longest pilgrim bridge in Spain, with it's 20 arches.
The way then took us off road for nearly 12 km, before a long slog in very hot sun, into the old Roman town of Astorga.
As we were tired, we felt the need for our own room, although we'd read that it was a town of hundreds of albergue spaces and overpriced hotels. We were, therefore, very lucky to get a basic room with a basin and a shared bathroom, in a small pension, just off the main square. We felt we'd really landed on our paws.
We enjoyed looking round Astorga and having a beer in the square, although the cathedral was firmly shut even though it was early Sunday evening. Typical of much of Spain!
While our female minder had a conventional pilgrim meal, our minder had the local dish - Cocido Maragato - which was a meat feast with chick peas, potatoes and cabbage, served back to front, as it was followed by a noodle soup. As it was a big plate of food we helped him eat it.
We had a good night's sleep in our room, and set out shortly after 8.00 a.m. for a much needed shorter day's walk - only 13.5 miles!
It was very hot again so a short day was very pleasant, and we could have several stops en route, including breakfast.
At about 1.30 we reached the monastery town of Rabanal where we wanted to stay as there is an albergue run by volunteers from the Co-fraternity of St James in England, of which we are members.
We waited until the 2.00 p.m. opening time, in a pleasant shady spot outside the delightful little church. This church was open, and, even better, a French pilgrim was making fantastic music on his recorder inside.
We had a lovely welcome from Betty and Dugald and 2 visitors, and it was great to be chatting in English.
The albergue is a wonderful building, with patio, big garden/field, barn and kitchen herb garden. It is spotlessly clean and very well organised and the beds are smart and well spaced.
We haven't actually had the free time we thought we would, as we have been busy chatting (English pilgrims are a rare commodity) and, bliss, we even got to take afternoon tea, with our new hospitalero friends.
Shortly, we are going across the road to join the Benedictine Monks for Vespers, and Gio will be doing the English reading - apparently the lesson is read in 4 languages.
In the meantime we are typing away in the garden where the sun is now a pleasant temperature and our washing has already dried.
Bye for now,
Love from the Camino bears xxx
P.S. 1 hr later, Vespers didn't happen as the singing monk has had to go to hospital, but we're still going for Compline & Pilgrim's blessing at 9.30
1 comment:
Bet that cup of tea was welcome! Keep up the good work everyone.
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