Exploring after a day’s walk.
Day 72, June 17
6 miles, 873 miles
Altitude: 2 feet (3,051 feet daily high) 1300 meters climbing 800 meters in 6 miles
Weather: sunny 45-85F
O Cebreiro
I had my earliest start at 6:00 AM with faint light. The weather was crisp and clear. I started out in a wool cap, windbreaker, gloves, nylon mittens, and shorts. The walk was a 4 km warm-up, 4 km gain in altitude, break for Cafe con Leche, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a huge piece of pound cake for 4€, than the final 4km steep climb to the top. Breaks were easy as there were so many breathing views. I got to the top in my infamous white shirt well before the Spanish sun got intense and joined the cue for the Municipal Albergue charging 6€ for a dorm bed. A splendid day. O Cebreiro has the charm and setting of a Swiss alpine village.
Backpacks form a waiting line until the Albergue opens for pilgrims.
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Day 70, June 15
17 miles, 851 miles
Altitude: 1,607 feet (2,690 feet daily high)
Weather: sunny 55-85F hot
Cacanelos
Build a better box, and you can rent it. Thirty-five “boxes” at 5€ each house 70 pilgrims. Rooms are arranged in a semi-circle around Capilla de Las Angustia, XVIIIthC.
Showers were hot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 62, June 7
12 miles, 771 miles
Altitude: 2,690 feet (2,2920 feet daily high)
Weather: light rain, sun with clouds 55-70F
Leon
Dane, his cello, and me make three for the walk to Leon. As the walk was beside the highway or urban, I did not feel guilty sharing walking time with Dane. I arrived early to join the waiting line to stay at the convent, al Monasterio de Benedictinas
Santa Mari de Carbajal
de Leon.
Day 62, June 7
12 miles, 771 miles
Altitude: 2,690 feet (2,2920 feet daily high)
Weather: light rain, sun with clouds 55-70F
Leon
Parador’s pilgrim rate for a room 93€.
Benedictine Convent’s pilgrim rate for a room 5€.
Where did Linda stay?
Linda Scandore 