Camino Day Twenty-Eight- Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada (21.4 Miles)

We were awake before dawn, of course. We were facing our longest walk of the Camino 34 kilometers or over 20 miles. Leaving the picturesque town of Rabanal del Camino we set a good pace. It was uphill but gradual and we handled it well. The first town, Foncebadon, was swarming with pilgrims who had just been dropped off in taxis. Everyone wants to climb to the Cruz de Ferro and place their rock, symbolizing the leaving of “something” there- promising to be better or promising to let go of something that no longer serves. John thought it was too “touristy”. Chris said a prayer- she won’t say what she left behind.

The Cruz de Ferro is at 4920 foot elevation. Twenty minutes further climbing another hill the elevation was 4960, the highest point on the Camino. We really congratulated ourselves on this milestone!

But then the descent. We were at the top at 9:20 and then spent 5.5 hours going downhill- steeply at times and very rocky and uneven. We gave thanks to not have to do it in the rain.

We were wiped out when we got to our room in Ponferrada. Blistered toes and sore quads and knees. But no falls! Another prayer answered.

Adding insult to injury every restaurant we walked by was not open-it was MONDAY! The Camino miracle this day was a small bar who’s kitchen opened at 8 pm and let us sit at a table and wait- for the price of a glass of wine, of course! It was worth the wait! Alex the waiter took good care of us- communicating even though he spoke very little English. Delicious roasted Pulpo (octopus), roasted red peppers, and garlic mushrooms washed down with a tinto (red wine) from the Bierzo wine region. The Bierzo wine region is where we are now.

We crashed when we got back to the room!