Day 26: Astorga - Rabanal Del Camino, 20.6km.
We took our time leaving Astorga as we were enjoying being in a city with such life and vibrancy. AND of course we had to shop through their Tuesday morning outdoor market before leaving town.
After such a big day yesterday I was pleased to see my body was still feeling strong. It's nice to feel all the ways my body has adapted to walking all day, every day, and have it feel natural now. Even with my 12kg/27lb magical beast of pack on my back. Today's walk was a gradual, steady climb up through gorgeous little mountain villages. A visually stunning day.
We met David (pictured) last night and again today in our first village stop. He gave us insight on the upcoming villages with a few recommendations. He walks the Caminos, and there are many, for 6 months every year. The map pictured is all the choices of Caminos you can walk starting in every country in Europe, all ending in Santiago. He did say the Camino Frances is the one that has true magic...he believes everyone should do this one first.
Rabanal has a population of 60, similar to most villages we walk through these days. It's a perfect overnight rest stop before we cross the highest peak on the Camino Frances tomorrow morning. At 7pm we went to Vespers in the local church delivered in Gregorian Chant by Benedictine Monks. The church was stunning in its uniqueness and simplicity. Lights were only on during service so I couldn't capture the totality of its essence afterwards, and I didn’t want to take pictures during the service. The monks were lovely! What a very special experience in an already awesome day.
