Today’s walk brought me up the mountain to the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most significant milestones on the Camino Frances. It was a cold, rainy walk, but we were protected from the wind most of the way.
October 04: 74th Birthday Review
October 4: Stage Twenty-seven: Rabinal to El Acebo
This is a short stage because I know how long it took me to go down that steep, rocky descent from Cruz de Ferro. It’s one of the more dangerous descents – very steep with rolling rocks and slate outcrops. I’ve managed several this trip without a mishap: down the mountain in the Pyrenees, the descent into Zuburi, and the descent from Alto de Perron, but I think I’ll skip this one this time. Just don’t have a good feeling about it. I’ll walk up the mountain to Cruz de Ferro – the highest point on the Camino – and taxi past the descent.
Stage Twenty-six: Astorga to Rabinal del Camino
Whew! What a windy day! I’m glad this was only a 20 km stage. Otherwise, it was a pretty good walk. Temps in the 50s, no rain, and we even had sunshine. I’ve been very lucky concerning rain. Often, it rained through the night, but had moved on by morning. I’m in touch with a friend who started 2-3 days ago, and she has walked in rain every day. And couldn’t walk over the mountain in the Pyrenees due to the weather.
Stage Twenty-six: Astorga to Rabinal del Camino
A windy day ahead, but it looks like the rain will have passed on by daylight. Time to start the elevation gains into the mountains.
Pilgrims from Maryland, Italy, Ireland & Barcelona
Astorga
I’ve now walked out of the Meseta, the northern portion of the central plains. From Astorga, we begin the ascent through the foothills of the Leon Mountains.
Astorga is one of my favorite towns along the Camino Frances, so I was happy to have the day to revisit a few spots.
Meanderings: The cathedral, the Gaudi palace, an archeological dig, and less magnificent sights.
Birthdays in Astorga
I’m at the Hotel Gaudi across from the cathedral and the Gaudi Palace. Two years ago, October 02, 2019, I opened the door to my hotel room to find a giant bouquet of flowers, famous Astorga chocolate, and a birthday greeting from John. He and Ruben, the amazing desk clerk, had put together my birthday surprise (October 4, 1947).
Today, October 02, 2021, I opened the door to a replay of 2019. Once again, John and Ruben threw me for a loop. Flowers, chocolate, birthday card.
9/22 Leaving Burgos
The exit is much nicer than the entrance! We follow the arrows, but the cities also embed camino shells on the sidewalks to keep us on track.
9/24 Note: My phone is locking up as I try to upload photos to this blog. I’ll try to catch up later. All is well with me. No blisters & feeling well.
9/22 Stage Sixteen: Burgos to Hornillos del Camino
Today begins the walk through the Meseta, the northern part of the central high plains. I think it takes five days to get across. In 2019, the temps were much hotter. Few trees. Where the winds come sweeping down the plains. (Excuse me, Rogers and Hammerstein) Yesterday in Burgos, it was 58 degrees, cloudy, with 18 mph winds. There is rain along the way today, but it’s impossible to gauge whether I’ll run into it. Many people love the Meseta. It is not my favorite, but here I go.
9/21 Burgos Rest Day
I’ve gone to the laundromat, ate “whatever meal it was” at 4:00, had four naps. About to venture out for a coke and a bowl of soup. Find a market for tomorrow’s snacks. I’m such a wild woman!
Burgos walkabout: Sculptures around every corner, red lentils, police.
