October 4 & 5: Stages Twenty-seven & Twenty-eight: Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada

Going up the mountain on October 4 was a cold and rainy trek, but down below the next day was a perfect walking day. Temps were in the lower mid-50s, little wind, and no rain.

Cruz de Ferro – History – The highest altitude on the Camino (1,505 meters/4,938 feet). Stands on an ancient ritual site that dates back as far as 2,500 years. Considered the most ancient monument of the Camino. May have been a crossroads veneration site for Iron Age Celts and then the Romans, each leaving a rock on this high point for their own gods. Today, leaving a stone here is a significant rite of passage (Beebe)

The fellow in the colorful suit was there for our safety. I imagine falls down that pile of rocks aren’t unusual.

October 3 Rabanal del Camino Arrival

Part of the last two kilometers into Rabanal


I’ve arrived in my “tonight” village. Lodging is down the street. As in THE street. I am barely in the village and hanging outside a bar/Mercado. 14 days to Santiago. That includes two rest days. There’s a mountain in there, folks. I’m finishing day 27 today.

The dirt trail was a welcome change!