Day 21 El Acebo to Camponaraya

Day 21 El Acebo to Camponaraya 22.5 km

Last night’s accommodation was amazing. €17 for bed and breakfast. Newly built two years ago, it was a Pilgrim’s dream. Not only because of its comfortable bunk beds—four to a dormitory—but it also had a fabulous Pilgrim menu, a swimming pool, a hydro pool, osteopaths, physiotherapists, medical staff, and numerous treatment rooms. Fortunately, I did not require any of the medical services. Unfortunately, many had to seek attention.

Balancing the needs of both your body and mind can be tricky during this walk.

Following the past draining days hiking through the uninspiring ‘Meseta’, my walking brain was in low battery mode. I desperately needed an injection of ‘get up and go’, to prepare myself for the start of the steep climb to the highest village on the Camino Francés.

As the sun gradually crawled up behind, and onto the distant mountains, I made my morning call to Annie and shared the incredible scene. Throughout our correspondence, she consistently employs a means of instilling the desire to persist towards my goals. This morning, she employed "One more step along the world I go." Having never heard this hymn before, I found the words inspirational.

My first stop was in Santa Catalina de Somoza. It was the village of Maragatos muleteers. The houses were robust with double-leafed doors and were all painted in primary colours.
I then reached Rabanal del Camino with only 75 inhabitants. It has a long tradition linked to the Camino Frances.
During the Middle Ages, there were several hostels and churches in the village. The pilgrims stayed here in order to regain strength and form safety groups to cross Mount Irago, full of dangerous wild animals and bandits.
The village also served as an outpost to the order of the Templars of Ponferrada to protect the pilgrims.

Today, many pilgrims were experiencing the local ‘Maragatería Gastronomy'.
Maragato Stew, Vegetable Stew, and Vegetable Rice.

I decided to pass on this treat and continue walking, determined to finish in good time and enjoy my evening meal.

Arriving at my destination, Camponaraya, I eagerly sought out my accomodation. I desperately required a rest and foot soak.

Another day complete, and one more day closer to reaching my goal.Читать далее