Forward

Another gorgeous day for walking...traveling 23 km from Riego to the tiny town Camponaraya.  This included going through the charming town of Molinaseca and the medieval city of Ponferrada. 

It is quite the varied landscape that we pilgrims walk as we head to Santiago.  Today I went down a mountain side to Molinaseca.  Through town.  Down country roads with gardens and farms.  Through a city.  Past suburban houses, apartments and soccer fields.  And for all of them there are arrows and scallop shells pointing the way forward. 

When I arrived in Camponaraya, the albergue where I wanted to stop was closed for renovation.  So just a little further on, there was room in the next one.  Always going forward. 

Cruz de Ferro

A very blessed day of walking 20 km from Rabanal to the tiny mountain village Riego de Ambros.  With temperatures in the 40s, a fair wind blowing, and rain coming down most of the day, the weather is a far cry from summer in Georgia.  Today's walk included the blessed landmark of Cruz de Ferro.  After walking in the clouds...to look up and see the simple majesty of the cross....it's breath taking.  As a pilgrim I brought a rock from home and laid it at the foot of the cross.  Then it is up to the top of the pass on Monte Irago before a steep descent into Riego for the evening. 

Pilgrim Prayer at Cruz de Ferro.

Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross, weigh the balance in favor of my good deeds some day when the deeds of my life are judged. Let it be so.

Seen and unseen 3

Seen and unseen 2

Having trouble with the WiFi here at the albergue. So here are the pictures from today.

Seen and unseen

Another lovely day for a walk.  It was brisk and chilly this morning, down in the forties.  Today's walk was from Astorga to Rabanal, leaving the meseta and heading into the mountains.  Uphill most of the day with a strong headwind as well.  This is Maragato country....wild, rustic, and hauntingly beautiful.  

At the edge of Astorga was this lovely chapel, dedicated to the Ecce Homo  ( Behold, the Man).  Today it was open, so I went in to pray.  On the side wall of the chapel were pictures and names inscribed for prayer.  I saw Denise Thien listed, an American who was kidnapped and killed on this stretch of the Camino last year. So I prayed for her again....that her suffering would be joined to Christ's suffering.

The next town along the Way is Murias de Rechivaldo.  I was really looking forward to the visit.  Last time, a little cafe there had empanada, the first I had been able to enjoy.  Pilar, the splendid, rugged cafe owner, had been very good to me.  I hoped to see her and delight in her yummy fare.  But it was not to be.   The cafe was still there....but no Pilar...and no empanada.

When I arrived in Rabanal, the albergue had a special going on bacon and eggs.  What fun!  Wonderful comfort food at the end of the day.  As I devoured the feast I thought of the many times with family or parishioners just such blessings had come to me.

Along the Way in life, there are often little reminders that cross our path that remind of the ones who are in our hearts.  Maybe it is a place, or a smell, or a word, or a sight....and in an instant, for a moment... Whether seen or unseen, they are with us. 

Thanks be to God for such rich blessings to touch and to fill the heart.  Buen Camino.

Astorga

Made it to Astorga today under cloudy skies with intermittent rain.

Astorga has a beautiful cathedral, that was good to pray in.  It is also the center of the chocolate industry in Spain.   So it was a sweet indulgence to take a moment to visit the Chocolate Museum, take the tour, and try the samples. 

As St. Teresa of Avila is alleged to have said:  God and chocolate is better than just God.  :)

Art

Here are a few pictures of some of the art that decorates the walls in this albergue.  Looking at art specifically about the Camino by those who have walked the Camino is inspiring.  More strength for the journey.