Tired but happy

Left Astorga this morning around 7.30am in the dark and on my own. Glenise had a few issues with her legs and feet yesterday so thought it best to take a break, a wise decision. Leaving Astorga in the dark could have been difficult if not for a kind local pointing out the way. I was very grateful for my headlamp as the pavement was very uneven. Today's route was a steady uphill climb to the town of Rabanal. Stopped at the first village for breakfast. The cafe was full of local gendarme, Civil Guarda, and National Police unit. They were obviouly having a meeting. Then to the next village which had a great entrance gate, but my phone was playing up, so no photos. However, a kind man in the cafe sorted it for me. The little church was open so ducked in and got a credential stamp from the little old man for a donation. The cafe was delighful, it has a lovely courtyard garden full of flowers. On every table were vases of beautiful roses. A couple of fresh orange juices later I was on my way to the next village o1f El Ganso. As you approach the village you can see large teepee which are

used for accommodation. Stopped for lunch in a thriving outdoor cafe then on for the last 6kms. The whole 20kms was a steady uphill climb in the sun, no shade, the hardest being the last 2 kms. Overall, there wasn't much to see today except scrub, scrub and more scrub. Arrived in the village where I was met by Glenise and the offer from the host of our accommodation of a room with a private bathroom, yes, yes, yes! Beds with real sheets, towels and real shampoo in the shower, such luxuries, all for an extra 12 Euro. While I was walking Glenise was sussing out the possibilty of crossing to the Portuguese Camino at Tui to avoid some of the crowds and make it easier find accommodation. After a few online searches yesterday it did seem an impossibility, Glenise confirmed that today. So it's onward and forward. On the way here I walked alongside the fence of crosses, where people make across out of twigs and attach it to the fence. I made one for Georgia but left the leaves attached as a sign of new life as Georgia is at peace. I loved the crosd made out of white stones nestled in the moss

One of my pleasures each evening is slathering my feet with kawakawa blam then cacooning them in the handknitted merino socks Anne made for me, thanks Anne.