Caminos – Page 68 – Linda Scandore

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.

Words ~ 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

Words fascinate me
They capture exact thoughts
Written words become transparent
So others may read
want your mind sees

Still Snow ~ 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

For a week, snowy mountains have been on the northern horizon. Fifteen miles away, I am close enough to photograph them. In days I’ll cross the highest section of the Camino.

Sunset, Sunrise ~ Day 64 ~ June 9, 2014

Day 64, June 9
19 miles, 804 miles
Altitude: 2,952 feet (2,970 feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-70F
Astorga
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANE

Bed time from Albergue’s balcony in Astorga.

Sunrise from baker’s shop in Astorga.

PS
Two pan au chocolate left town with me; however, didn’t arrive with me at next distinction.

Pintxos ~ Day 64 ~ June 9, 2014

Day 64, June 9
19 miles, 804 miles
Altitude: 2,952 feet (2,970 feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 55-70F
Astorga
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANE

As accommodations forced a long walk, Pintxos (tapas) for dinner were a welcome treat.