Linda

In Passing ~ Day 70 ~ June 15, 2014 ~ June 15, 2014

Day 70, June 15
17 miles, 851 miles
Altitude: 1,607 feet (2,690 feet daily high)
Weather: sunny 55-85F hot
Cacanelos

In passing, I walked by countless family garden plots and rip cherry trees. The cherries are refreshing, sweet and juicy. For the past two weeks, enterprising individuals have been along the way selling cherries wrapped in newspaper cones.

A large percent of the church steeples are homes to storks. Smaller birds fashion their nest in the lower portion of the stork’s nest.

Castillo de los Templarios ~ Day 70 ~ June 15, 2014

Day 70, June 15
17 miles, 851 miles
Altitude: 1,607 feet (2,690 feet daily high)
Weather: sunny 55-85F hot
Cacanelos

Castillo de los Templarios, disappointingly close today as it was Sunday and as a half-marathon was being held in front of it.

They Got It Right ~ Day 70 ~ June 15, 2014

Day 70, June 15
17 miles, 851 miles
Altitude: 1,607 feet (2,690 feet daily high)
Weather: sunny 55-85F hot
Cacanelos

Roman water cistern Fuente Romano is still functioning. Know a good plumber? Campo, historic village.

Iglesia de Santa Maria de Vizbayo, 11th century Romanesque church. Campo, historic village.

Left Rock ~ Day 69 ~ June 14, 2014

Day 69, June 14
16 miles, 834 miles
Altitude: 2,690 feet (4,940 feet highest point on journey)
Weather: sunny 55-85F hot
Molinaseca

Having carried a heart shaped rock from Virginia, I duly left it at the highest point on the Camino, La Cruz de Ferro, altitude 4,490 feet.

Plunging down 2,200 feet, the mid-day heat feels like summer in Prescott, Arizona. The temperature isn’t so high. It’s the intense of the sun that makes it uncomfortable and makes siesta inviting.

A Frenchman commented my appearance was so fresh. I simply smiled without divulging a three day rest at the Monistery.

Paradise on Earth ~ Day 68 ~ June 13, 2014

Day 68, June 13
0 miles, 818 miles REST DAY #8
Altitude: 3,770 feet (feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-75F
Rabanal

Paradise on Earth. Medicine for the soul.

Monistary Midnight ~ Day 68 ~ June 13, 2014

Day 68, June 13
0 miles, 818 miles REST DAY #8
Altitude: 3,770 feet (feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-75F
Rabanal

A view from my room.

23,300 Hits ~ Day 67 ~ June 12, 2014

Day 67, June 12
0 miles, 818 miles REST DAY
Altitude: 3,770 feet (feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-75F
Rabanal

Thanks to you, my first blog has 23,300 hits in twelve countries!

The Monistery, retreat house, and church.

Benedictine Monastery ~ Day 66 ~ June 11, 2014

Day 66, June 11
0 miles, 818 miles REST DAY
Altitude: 3,770 feet (feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-70F
Rabanal
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSSIE DAVE

Benedictine Monastery of San Salvador del Monte Irago

By chance, I have learned a Benedictine monastery serves pilgrims with the only condition that being you must stay several days for a true rest from the Camino. With few pilgrims staying here, the time is less consumed by “Camino mentality” and more concentrated on unwinding. All is done for us, laundry, meals, household chores. It’s hard being in the position of being served.

I feel a peacefulness not previously sensed.

St. James Confraternity ~ Day 65 ~ June 10, 2014

Day 65, June 10
14 miles, 818 miles
Altitude: 3,770 feet (3,770 feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-70F
Rabanal

St. James Confraturnity in London has been my resource for the Camino for the past three years. They host the extremely comfortable and welcoming Albergue Gaucelmo.