Farewell to Astorga, a very nice town with lovely people. Today is their Corpus Christi celebration. Locals were decorating the main square with a design made of wild flower petals. Balcony rails and windows were draped with red and yellow banners and flags. Later a gilded cart adorned with flowers (like a small parade float), carrying a statue of Jesus, will be paraded from the cathedral through the town and back. Unfortunately, we had to get back to the Camino, but it was fun to see the preparations.
After our marathon of a walk two days ago we were not too concerned about doing 23 Km. The path was good ( light gravel and sand), not too near the road and there was purported to be shade. The temperature was very warm for walking (35 C), but dressed for the heat and carrying plenty of water and cooling scarves, we headed out. For 20 Km our frequent rest and hydration stops and a wonderful medley of birdsong, carried us through. Although there were now pine and oak forests dotted with bright purple Spanish heather, the path was not shaded. Rod began carrying his and Delana’s packs as she was feeling quite weak.
We managed the final 3 Km into Rabanal del Camino, to find that our hotel rural was at the top of the hill, of course. Just knowing that rest was nearby gave Delana a spurt of energy and we were soon there.
After showers and a rest we went downstairs for dinner. As neither of us was all that hungry we shared the Pilgrim’s Menu (always large portions).
There was a jolly group of pilgrims who launched into a rendition of “Amazing Grace” which we know we will carry in our heads tomorrow. Rather a fitting melody for the Camino.
The family running this hotel and restaurant work very hard and are so pleasant. Knowing it had been a hard day, when Delana’s cafe con leche arrived, there was a little Camino directional arrow in the foam— a sweet sign of encouragement for her.
Tomorrow we start climbing, so off to bed —buenas noches!