Day 26 - Rabanal Del Camino to Ponferrada - 19.9 miles
- pettyjenny
- Sep 28, 2022
- 2 min read
The wind was howling when I woke up this morning, so I was expecting a cold workout hiking the mountain. Actually, the temperature was not as cold as I expected. The sun was rising, so I stopped to take a great photo. Luckily I did because only 5 minutes later I was enveloped in fog and drizzle for the next 2 hours or so. I have seen a family here that
lost their 10-year-old son/brother last year. He had wanted to hike the Camino and so his parents and 22-year-old brother are doing it in his honor. They have a banner with his photo on it and have their photo taken at every stopping point. Today, they were all at the base of the cross crying and saying prayers for him. This is such a special place for pilgrims, because it is the place where you leave the troubles that brought you to the Camino behind, and the place where you can start anew. Thus, it isn't the type of place I would take a photo of myself so this was the clearest photo I could take.
Most of the walk was on a very, rocky path up and down, up and down. After the cross, it was still very foggy, and while I was hiking along I swore I heard bagpipe music! Then, I came upon this wonderful little mountaintop respite. They had a wood-burning stove with tables and chairs, hot coffee, snacks, and little dogs that loved fire pits and snacks! Plus, an amazing view of a field of cows and baby calves. All in the fog . . . . it was kind of magical!
The fog lifted at around 10:30am, and it was an amazing view! I hiked down through two small towns, continuing on till I reached Molinseca. I stopped and had a light lunch, because I still had 7km to go in the heat of the day on an asphalt road. Once in the city center, my hotel was still another 20-minute walk, so I wasn't all that excited about walking back and sightseeing today! Today was a long walk on difficult terrain, and sometimes walking through a castle or museum just doesn't sound appealing after all that walking. I have a 16-mile day tomorrow and another 17.91 miles up through the mountains the day after. I apologize for my lack of sightseeing photos!😉. I did take one photo below as I was walking by and have provided some info.
The Templar castle is on the edge of the main city and dates from the 12th century. It has been declared a national monument and after extensive renovations, you can walk throughout. The Templar order here was outlawed and disbanded by the church in 1312 for fear of their increasing power.
Off to bed - I think I might sleep well tonight.
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