Day 19 Hosp de Orbigo - Murias de Rech

Day 19 Hospital de Orbigo to Murias de Rechivaldo 22 km

I am in the final stages of my journey, having 450+ km behind me and roughly 320 km to go. Kms have had to be changed due to the shortage of accommodation. Initially, my Pilgrim Walk was 700 km. This has increased to 750 km plus.

This morning I felt reluctant to get out of bed. I was warm, dry, comfortable and weary. My telephone ‘pinged’ and it was a message from Annie: The fundraiser had another donation, heartfelt and sincere attached messages from my fundraiser’s Church congregation and Annie’s tickets were booked. She will be in Santiago to meet me when my Pilgrim journey is complete (around October 4th).

Before departure, I was saving yesterday’s photos, and the scanned photo of our first grandchild came into sight. The beginning of a new, loving family. God just seems to know when you need that additional guidance and support.

After a couple of hours, and 16 km, rambling through the countryside in the dark, I came upon what can only be described as an oasis.
A low level table, piled high with fruit, juices, boiled eggs and water, donated by local Eco farmers, lay ahead. A sign, in several languages, declared “Free, help yourself. “Buen Camino”. After indulging in some fruit and juice, I went to wash my cup in the freshwater stream. The benefactor insisted that he do it and wished me “Buen Camino”. My host gave me a hug and I was on my way.

The trail was steep and rocky. My right foot was now throbbing. Annie called and, with words of encouragement, I reached my destination.

After washing my laundry and hanging it outside to hopefully dry, I settled into the dormitory, removed my shoes and soaked my feet. Dinner tonight is at 7 and consists of Gazpacho soup, couscous with grilled vegetables and poached apples and pears for dessert. Good value for 10 euros.Read more