Finding treasure on the Camino de Santiago

SUNDAY 26th JUNE 2016 – VILLADANGOS DEL PARAMO TO ASTORGA

Km’s walked – 33,14 ; steps taken – 46806 ; flights – 13

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” C. Spurgeon

I left early this morning with Jennie. We had agreed to walk to Astorga together as this was where Denise, a pilgrim doing the Camino disappeared last year. The sunrise was spectacular and the feeling of walking so early is so god.  By h0 we already had 10,5 Km’s behind us. The light is lovely, the air is cool and the everything holds the promise of possibility.

Once we got though Hospital de Obrigo with its beautiful medieval bridge (where the Knights used to joust and they still have jousting festivals), the road was beautiful. We were back to the familiar Camino pathways that just sprung surprises every few minutes. We were but so relieved. Walking along the highway with speeding cars and truck noise really made for tense Pilgrims.  The silence of trees gently rustling in the breeze and birds and frogs talking to one another is comforting and so soothing and amazing. We loved our walk to Astorga. We collected a few counties along the way, mostly USA, but one Norway and Two France. Jennie and I walk well together, sometimes we talk and talk deep, other times we just walk and we are quietly indulging out own thoughts.

We had a picnic amongst the ants and made our way to Astorga with much anticipation. Jennie was at a Hotel with a Spa, so we hoped to do saunas, massages and anything else that made our weary bodies feel better. We saw Astorga from about 7kms away, and as we have learnt by now those last few kilometers take forever, and the clouds disappear and the sun bakes you just to remind you whose in charge.

We reached our hotels in Astroga after 15h00. We agreed to stay in email contact as Jennie doesn’t have what’s app. We were planning some time at the Spa if her hotel allowed it. She mailed me to confirm 6pm to 7h30pm. We could sauna, steam bath, swim, jacuzzi, water canon and shower for 75 mins.  We grabbed the slot, and found bliss. Our feet and bodies loved us. No massages, but lots of water therapy. Body feels good.  I am so proud f my body and feet, they have done well and deserved the spoil.

(Above: Leaving Vilaldangos this morning)

(The fields we walk through have this old aqueduct system that transports water and irrigates the fields, it’s amazing)

(Above, the familiar yellow arrow that shows us the way)

(Above; Our stop in Hospital de Obrigo – a lovely cafe with grass for your weary feet, beautiful birds and flowers everywhere.)

Below; the medieval bridge – Puente de Obrigo

(A beautiful door.  One of many we saw today)

The thistles grow like Giants in some places 

A familiar scene for some but just magnificent for Pilgrims, where we see beauty in everything. 

The Cottonwood trees (yes those with the gremlin white fluff that makes me sneeze and cry), make beautiful sounds in the gentle breeze, as though they are quietly applauding us as we walk by.

Couldn’t resist the wheat fields, the colour and shimmer and height was just irresistible. 

A pilgrim statue welcomes us to the outskirts of Astorga.

The Gaudi Castle in Astorga – the view from my bedroom balcony.  How lucky am I????

That spa experience. We had to wear these 1920’s caps.

My starter at dinner. Not sure what I had ordered, that stuff that looks like pasta, was some kind of fish.

Saying goodnght to the view, how do you even close your curtains on this view.

CAMINO GIFTS: the joy of being back on the “Camino roads” we have come to love, the realization that I should take NOTHING for granted – not my family, my Camino, my relationships, my job, my Heath, – love them, nurture them and appreciate them every day, and a spa interlude when bodies and feet are weary.