Oak woodlands and social life on the Camino, Astorga to Rabanal, 21 miles. October 12
There are more hills now and everything is looking greener leaving Astorga. The plowed fields are getting replaced by dense oak woodlands. There are lots of beautiful rock walls and buildings.
The social community on the Camino is almost unbelievable. It is really wonderful to meet so many friendly people. I can't think of a better way to illustrate this than to write a PARTIAL list of people I've been talking to over the last few days. I know something about every one of them and they all know my name as well. I consider all of them to be my friends. Some I met weeks ago and reconnected with recently, and some I met today.
Fiona - Hospitalero from England
Mary Louise - Hospitalero from Calgary
Wai Lun / Kate - Hong Kong
Danny - Taiwan
Gordon - Ireland
Francesca - Italy
Essy - Australia
Charlie - Netherlands
Charlie - Jersey
Kim - Korea
Joan - Fairfax Marin County
Peiter - Netherlands
Peter - Guernsey
Ken - Calgary
Jim - Juneau AK
Jason - Colorado
Mano - France
Jin - Korea
Tiffany - Switzerland
Ricardo - Italy
Elisa - Italy
Howell - Toronto
Brynn - US
Lisa - Oregon
Olga, Tom and Dave - Toronto
Daryl - Newport Beach CA
Jesus - Cuidad Juarez, Mexico
Dave and Claire - Pittsburgh
Daniel and Daniel - Germany
Angie - Germany
Tonight I'm staying in a place in Rabanal run by the English Confraternity of Saint James. It is really welcoming and serves tea at 5:00.
Sunrise looking back at Astorga -
A water fountain on the way -
This is really amazing - I am struck by the numbers of your fellow pilgrims and wonder about their personal stories. This journey is quite the commitment. I can't wait to chat about this - I wish you were returning home via London!
ReplyDelete