Astorga to Rabinal: Septmber 21, 2014: day 22
Today we thought we would try to send one of our backpacks ahead because we are climbing to the highest elevation on the Camino. This proved to be a challenge to get the right amount of money, paperwork, and get everything ready to be out of the albergay by 8. We also needed to make a reservation for the night so that the bag could be delivered to right place. We found alone start that was offering 2 day silent retreats and we thought that would be perfect. We tried to call for a reservation but we could only leave a message.
And so we left the backpack to be delivered and walked on. It turned out to be a hot day with little shade. Paula walked with us to the first town but needed to stop and rest. She only planned on traveling 10 K and we needed to walk 22.
About 3/4 through the climb. We came to a chain link type of fence that was covered with Pilgrim crosses for more that 300 feet. We added our cross and took pictures. It is amazing to be a part of something much bigger than you are.
Upon entering the town we found the Monestary. They did not have our bag and had closed their retreat center for the season yesterday. They thought our backpack might be next door. We found this albergay to be run by a confraturnity of Brits. A wonderful couple greeted us and said they did not have our bag and could not accommodate us for the night if I had my bag carried unless I had an injury. I said I was having difficulty with the tenden in my foot and I had 3 blisters. They decided that we could stay and showed us to our beds. They also told us they would be serving biscuits and tea at 4. Leading the pilgrim life for so any weeks made this gift seem extraordinary. From that point things just got better. We washed our clothes by hand which is routine, but they had a spinner that the put our clothes in an that helped our clothes to dry much faster. Then the helped me with my blisters after I drained them by putting a needle through them and leaving the thread in so that they could continue to drain. The hospitalier gave me a paste of aspirin and lemon juice to take out the soreness and dry them and then gave us a foot bath of hot water, salts and sage. It was heaven!
We went next door for Vespers with Gregorian chant. Beautful! Then off to dinner with 3 women from South Africa, 1 Canadian, and 1 Californian. It was very enjoyable but long and we rushed back to the Albergay at. 9:45. Doors lock at 10:00. And there is always the danger of waking other pilgrims who go to sleep at 8:30. Our hospital users were waiting for us when we got back and felt bad that they had recommended that restaurant! They had gotten our clothes off the line and brought it in and hung it by the fire. We felt so cared for. We quickly went to bed. It was the best nights sleep I. I do not know when.
Everyone slept in until 6:30, when she woke us and soon we could smell coffee and toast. Angie says it was like being transported home. It felt so good. In true Brit humor at 8:00 our hospitalier started playing "Hit the Road Jack". We reluctantly left into pouring rain.
Lesson learned: Care and concern, giving of ones self can change the world.
Today we thought we would try to send one of our backpacks ahead because we are climbing to the highest elevation on the Camino. This proved to be a challenge to get the right amount of money, paperwork, and get everything ready to be out of the albergay by 8. We also needed to make a reservation for the night so that the bag could be delivered to right place. We found alone start that was offering 2 day silent retreats and we thought that would be perfect. We tried to call for a reservation but we could only leave a message.
And so we left the backpack to be delivered and walked on. It turned out to be a hot day with little shade. Paula walked with us to the first town but needed to stop and rest. She only planned on traveling 10 K and we needed to walk 22.
About 3/4 through the climb. We came to a chain link type of fence that was covered with Pilgrim crosses for more that 300 feet. We added our cross and took pictures. It is amazing to be a part of something much bigger than you are.
Upon entering the town we found the Monestary. They did not have our bag and had closed their retreat center for the season yesterday. They thought our backpack might be next door. We found this albergay to be run by a confraturnity of Brits. A wonderful couple greeted us and said they did not have our bag and could not accommodate us for the night if I had my bag carried unless I had an injury. I said I was having difficulty with the tenden in my foot and I had 3 blisters. They decided that we could stay and showed us to our beds. They also told us they would be serving biscuits and tea at 4. Leading the pilgrim life for so any weeks made this gift seem extraordinary. From that point things just got better. We washed our clothes by hand which is routine, but they had a spinner that the put our clothes in an that helped our clothes to dry much faster. Then the helped me with my blisters after I drained them by putting a needle through them and leaving the thread in so that they could continue to drain. The hospitalier gave me a paste of aspirin and lemon juice to take out the soreness and dry them and then gave us a foot bath of hot water, salts and sage. It was heaven!
We went next door for Vespers with Gregorian chant. Beautful! Then off to dinner with 3 women from South Africa, 1 Canadian, and 1 Californian. It was very enjoyable but long and we rushed back to the Albergay at. 9:45. Doors lock at 10:00. And there is always the danger of waking other pilgrims who go to sleep at 8:30. Our hospital users were waiting for us when we got back and felt bad that they had recommended that restaurant! They had gotten our clothes off the line and brought it in and hung it by the fire. We felt so cared for. We quickly went to bed. It was the best nights sleep I. I do not know when.
Everyone slept in until 6:30, when she woke us and soon we could smell coffee and toast. Angie says it was like being transported home. It felt so good. In true Brit humor at 8:00 our hospitalier started playing "Hit the Road Jack". We reluctantly left into pouring rain.
Lesson learned: Care and concern, giving of ones self can change the world.
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