Rabanal-Molinacseca

Yesterday I started off by myself. I'm getting not only more confident walking alone but sometimes prefer it. I also notice that most pilgrims are walking solitary, meeting their friends at a certain albergue at the end of the day.

The wind had died down and it was pleasant. Sunny but still cool.  Slightly uphill as I made my way toward the mountains. Its amazing how the scenery changes day to day.

I met Stephanie at a British albergue run by the Confraternity of St. James. Three Americans were the hospitaleros this time. It was definitely one of my favorite places so far. We had so much fun! There was oldies and country playing in the background as we went about our daily routines of shower, laundry, etc. The weather was nice enough that the clothes dried pretty quick on the line.
I sat on a roof to connect to the WiFi of a nearby bar to talk to mom. What a beautiful view I had! We had tea time and a bit of yoga/stretching in the yard.
Best part was I got to cook. Since they had a kitchen I offered to make dinner for everyone. Half the residents helped and a German woman also made a complicated Frankfort green sauce over potatoes. We had a blast! Cooking and wine and chatting and eating. It was like a large family having an extended dinner. Afterwards we set off to the church across the street for vespers. I've never experienced that before and it was moving. One of the hospitaleros offered foot massages after that and I was all on board for that. I'll never turn down a foot massage again.

Today Stephanie and I walked together. Its our last day together because I am going further than she needs to and she's having a bit of foot issues. We went up and down the first mountain today and I must say it was way easier this time. The sun was out all day and it started to finally warm up.

Today was the day to stop at Cruz De Ferro, the place to put our stone at the foot of the cross, symbolizing laying our burdens at the cross. Its a moving place and I really felt lighter as I walked away. More peaceful than I've felt in a long time. I hope to continue this feeling and leave my burdens behind. In the past. At the foot of the cross. Where they belong.

I left Stephanie at Riego De Ambros and continued another 7k on my own to Molinaseca. I was sad to leave another Camino friend behind but we are going to hopefully meet in Santiago before she leaves for Boston. Its been so wonderful traveling with another woman in ministry and I'm grateful for her friendship and insight.

My last few ks were actually fun and I'm surprised at how fast I covered them. I felt like a kid skipping over stones as I went. My tendons are better and downhill is my favorite direction.

I'm in the charming town of Molinaseca now having dinner outside near a river and watching kids playing on the rocks. Its so peaceful. I'm staying at an albergue where almost no one knows English and I don't know a soul. And I'm really OK with that right now. Its nice to just unwind and reflect on the day. God is changing me from the inside out.

Mazarife - Astorga

Yesterday it got cold again as i Ade my way to Mazarife. I walked alone by choice to have time to just"be"... Have time to think and pray and worship and take in all that was around me. It was a wonderful walk.
I started early to see the sun rise over Leon and watch the city come alive. It was wonderful but as the day started, I was ready to leave the city and get back on country roads. The landscape changed again as I am getting closer to the next set of mountains. They seem to loom in the distance, just waiting to test and try me.

I met Stephanie at one of the best albergues we've been to. The owners truly cared and put lots of love into everything they did for us pilgrims. There were mostly women there and many of them were widows. After a most delicious dinner (including real greens and pumpkin soup) one woman held a celebration honoring her husbands 58th birthday. He had passed away last year and she is doing the Camino for him. She lit 58 candles and we had wine while she reminisced about him. It was touching.
One of the hospotalerios is a physiotherapist and naturopath, and he helped many of us with out aches and pains. He looked at my tendons, taped them up in a particular way and told me if I left it like that for two days, I should be healed. Joy!! I was able to wear my boots today!

Today was a hard day, too. We had strong cold wind coming right at us all day. We also began the ups and downs of the foothills. 30k seemed much more like 40 at least. It was hard work. We wound up taking a taxi the last 3k because it started raining and the wind was blowing straight across.

Stephanie took a hotel room tonight and she let me take a hot bath. It was heavenly!!! I was warm! I'm staying in an albergue run by a Brazilian group. Its a nice little place and the hospitalieros are wonderful. My phone didn't finish charging so they let me stay downstairs after lights out to let it finish and to write my blog. I'm sitting in the dark in front of what's left of a fire just taking in the quiet.

We have seen so many blessings the past two days. The albergue really made accommodations for my food allergies. Most don't and I usually have to go to a bar for a Spanish tortilla in the mornings. A place we stopped at for lunch today made me bacon and a potato/lettuce sandwich. The fried potato was the bun. She was so sweet. Some random man ran out of his shop to hand out cookies to us peregrinas, and a guy set up a stand with free food for pilgrims on such a blustery day.

We heard today that the mountains ahead are still getting snow (its almost June!) And it will be tough going. I'm glad I bussed a couple of days so that I have time to take my time and only do 18-25k per day until I get over them. I went and bought a long sleeve shirt and gloves (mine don't have fingers) and will layer everything I have for the next few days.

Pray for the walk over the mountains, for safety and warmth and that I may continue to notice all the small blessings along the Way.