Day 28 - Sun, May 25 - Astorga to Rabanal del Camino - 13.3 miles from6:40 am to 11:15 am

Day 28 - Sun., May 25 - Astorga to Rabanal del Camino - 13.3 mi. From 6:40 to 11:25 am (one 20 min. break in Santa Catalina)

Today was back to our routine so we were up and moving for a little breakfast and out the door. It did not seem so cold this morning and there wasn't any wind. Astorga was at 2,500 ft. and our destination today is 3,500 ft. 

It was another road walk so to speak -- the senda is a dirt road or path which is close to a highway. Today the highway was very quiet and the walk was peaceful. The mountains we have been seeing to our left for many days were much closer today. We both enjoyed gazing at the sun lighting up the snow capped mountain range. 

Once again there were many on the Camino today both in front and back of us. I talked with a man from Canada who is walking with his 19 yr. old son. The son was out in front of course. The man walked the Camino last year and said he thought it would be good to do with his son before he begins college. The son is enjoying the adventure. 

A woman from New Zealand with a pace like a race walker blew by us. When I complimented her pace, she said she had just removed her leggings and was trying to warm up her legs which were now down to shorts. Probably won't see her again. As she approached Stoney, she asked if he was enjoying the Camino. His brief reply - no. She abruptly looked at him and asked if he was in pain. He said not physical - mental. She said she was sorry and changed the topic. Her husband is in the U.S. follow the NASCAR circuit and the Camino is her cup of tea. She sped off. 

It seemed an easy walk today (most of it flat) but we were not sure how it round be so we planned to stop at 13.3 miles and our pedometers agreed. Tomorrow early on will be the biggest climb on the Camino and we want to be rested for it. Santa Cantalina up ahead. Stopped for a Coke which was the only break today. 

Since it had been a short time from our break, we passed by this famous place on the Camino, the Cowboy Bar. 

Sure enjoyed a small bag of cherries I carried from Astorga as a snack today.

Seems odd to see fir trees but we are at a higher elevation now.

Got a it steep and rocky as we approached our destination. Then we had some roots and rocks along a trail that bordered the road and it reminded me of the Appalachian Trail. Below we are on the outskirts of Rabanal. 

Growing in the window of this old church.

The cemetery. 

Our abode. 

Our most interesting room key. 

Looking down at the bar where people can get coffee, Coke, etc. 

Door handle on glass front door.

Looking in to whew we will have dinner in a little while.  We can eat whenever. Don't have to wait til 8 pm. Which is great.