A well-trodden rocky road, ascents and descents, from a cool sunny morning yesterday in Astorga,
to dinner this evening by a Roman bridge in Molinaseca.
It is good to be here - after two days walking the Camino Frances, and feeling the community connection and spirit again. Vespers last night in Rabanal del Camino . . .
Yesterday morning, I farewelled the albergue kitchen in Astorga - without breakfast (my fault 🙄),
and a little further up the street, found some guidance from the writing on the wall.
and the local bishop - who was a little cagey,
I was on the way once more!
Before long - I had company 👍
and soon after, began to wonder ‘what's behind the green door(s)’ 🎵
More importantly- I thought about breakfast. Fortunately, a hippy bar was around the corner.
A brunch of orange juice, tortilla and coffee accompanied by peculiar vibe, and I was away.
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The albergue of Our Lady El Pila was home for the night, run by Isabella - a local legendary Hospitalera. We chatted, and she gave me a bowl of cherries. I felt like a local!
Locals came in to watch the World Cup- Spain played a 0-0 - draw. The atmosphere was subdued - 😳
After the game, I played guitar for a while then headed to bed. A long hilly walk tomorrow.
Before long I was taking in mountain wild flower vistas
Approaching the mountaintop village of Foncebadon - a mysterious place, featured in The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho.
The village has developed since I was last here over ten years ago.
Back then, everyone staying at the Albergue shared an enormous paella served at this table.
Nowadays, there is more on offer - from luggage transfer services
to hostel choice and new construction.
The view is still spectacular.
The Crux de Ferro is the highest point in Spain of the Camino Frances - over the centuries, a place where pilgrims have sort solace and to leave their burden behind.
I added a stone to the pile at the foot of the Cross and walked away - relieved and hopeful.
The wildflowers were a joy.
But the loose jagged rocks on the descent were awful.
Lunch at El Acebo was a welcome respite.
My downhill shuffle continued past ruins
There is life and charity - and opportunity here.
The combination of fruit and juice provided the needed energy to sustain me into Molinaseca. - and my Albergue for the evening.
It was a long day- memorable, and tough at times.
After dinner by the river,
I walked back to the albergue,
and fell asleep almost immediately . . . 💤
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