Day 23 - Astorga to Rabanel del Camino

We leave Astorga fully refreshed and rearing to go, the spa certainly did the trick. The Camino passes by the ancient Hospital de San Juan in which St Francis reputedly stayed on his way to Santiago, this is a shot of the adjoining Neo-medieval “Espiscopial Palace”, designed by Antonio Gaudi

Then we pass the Cathederal. This edifice was begun in 1471 within the walls of its Romanesque predecessors from the 11th-13th Centuries. The construction lasted until the 18th Century, thus to its original Gothic style appearance were added elements from later styles, such as the Neo-Classicist cloister (18th Century), the Baroque towers, capitals and facade, and the Renaissance portico.

Along the Camino we meet two really nice Australian guys from Adelaide, Andy.

And Paul.

Bon Camino guys.

We stop for Tony to carry out major surgery to his feet.

We pass through Santa Catalina, a village typical of the region with a population of a mere 50 people.

Them there mountains are getting closer step by step.

Then on into El Ganso, a hauntingly crumbling village, evoking a sense of loss or, perhaps, a reminder of a less hurried time. In the 12th Century it boasted a Monastery and a pilgrim hospital. El Ganso is the first of several semi abandoned Maragato villages we will pass through in this solitary mountainous region.

The old fella needs his siestas these days.

We now pass the mountain, that we have seen in the distance for more than 100km. It's like walking on the top of the world, the air is so clean and dry and not a cloud in the sky. It is absolutely perfect. I can't believe sometimes we are actually here. It's already a major achievement for both of us.

We arrive in Rabanel del Camino, again we have no idea what to expect. That is half the fun, meeting new people and places to stay. The church on the right is Iglesia de la Santa Maria 12th Century Romanesque.

The inside was fresh and cool and absolutely stunning for such a small remote village.

The streets have changed little in over 800 years.

We arrive at our Albergue, a busy communal stop over for around 50 pilgrims.

The central court yard houses a bar, dining area and clothes washing and drying station.

We are now true pilgrims.550km done, only 240km to go.

The spa certainly did the trick, although we climbed nearly 1000ft, it was a breeze. We are now very fit and walking at a fast pace, and loving every step of the way.

Even my old mule is enjoying it, as long as his feet get re-constructed every 10 km.

Tomorrow we go up and over the mountain (Monte El Teleno); it will be the highest point along the whole Camino. Tomorrow we will only climb just over 1000ft, but over only 5 km, so a tuff steep climb in the hot sun. Then a steep descent in to Molinaseca.