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.

Getting a little elevation gain
It was sad to see the Cowboy bar closed. Many businesses did not recover from Covid times.
Here it was in 2019
Several nice paths today
Grateful for my rock-defying boots
I tried talking to them, but they ignored me


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.

Cathedral
Gaudi Palace
Pizza delivery
One of several archeological digs
Pilgrim

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.

October 02, 2021 Astorga, Spain
October 02, 2019 Astorga, Spain

October 2 Astorga Please Mister Postman

When I got my bag, I discovered I’d left my kindle in Ledigos. I contacted them and they have it. I told them I’d find out the shipping charge to home and would add 10€ for their trouble. I’ll go to the post office in Astorga.

Here is the bus stop that takes me to Astorga…

And below, the arrival, same.

And the post office…

So, the day begins!