Astorga, and Rabanal, and Molinaseca, Oh My!

Dena and Conor just completed their third day of hiking the Camino.  Thus far, they have made it from Leon to Molinaaseca.

Day one of the hike w.as a long day in open scrub with temperatures in the 90's.  They began at 7:30 and finished at 4:30, walking a total of 24 kilometers.  Dena's backpack is over 17 pounds and was killing her.   Conor thought he had lost her!!  He was fine.   Astorga was having some kind of celebration with music, etc.  They both napped for a few hours, then showered and went out for a dinner and to take in the festivities.

Here is a photo of Dena hiking to Astorga

Day two of the hike was from Astorga to Rabanal.  This hike was mainly uphill.  Dena had already transferred what she could to Conor's pack, and got rid of some things to lighten her load.  One mistake was to discard her sunscreen - she got a burn on her legs.  It was a long day and very warm.  Fortunately, the folks at the hostel were very, very nice and arranged to have their packs sent ahead to Molinaseca and made a reservation for them.  They had a lovely dinner of fish soup, braised veal, wine, and dessert for 11 euros.  You can't beat that.  She said it was delicious.  All the buildings in town are constructed of stone.

Day three was a great day for them,  Much easier without their packs, lots of shade and fountains along the way, but still along day with lots of uphill.  They met a couple from New York who are hospitalerias that kindly gave Dena sunscreen.  They arrived at the iron cross and laid their stones.  They had a lovely lunch at a medieval restaurant.called La Taberna Gaia.  Conor had a good day as well, and spent some time hiking with a girl from Luxembourg.  Molinaseca is a beautiful town and they were eager to explore.  Dena was thrilled to have their bags already delivered and in their room upon arrival.

Dena hiking today

Lunch today

Cathedral in Leon where they attended mass

That's the latest from the Camino.

Arrived safe and sound in Leon

Dena and Conor arrived safely in Leon.  Dena said they love it - beautiful architecture and just charming.  She and Conor attended mass at the Cathedral de Leon and had breakfast at a quaint cafe.  Unfortunately, buses do not run on Sundays so they will be spending an additional night in Leon (which I'm sure they don't mind one bit - one last good night's sleep) and head out at 7:15 tomorrow morning and will hike to Astorga.

Tonight they had tapas at a cafe on the plaza where they viewed a history of Leon light show that was just outside their hotel.  Colored displays were projected on to the San Isidore Cathedral (see photo).

Our Adventure Begins Tomorrow!

It is finally here!  Tomorrow Conor and I leave for Madrid, Spain to begin the El Camino de Santiago.  We will depart JFK at 4:25 pm for Paris and then on to Madrid, where we land around 9 am.  From there we will take a train to Leon, Spain (2 1/2 hours) to begin our journey.  Right now our plan is to spend the day/night in Leon at Hostal Boccolino to rest up and then begin hiking early Sunday morning.  After a cup of cafe con leche, of course!

Our backpacks have been packed and repacked, trying to get the weight down to 10% of our body weight.  My hiking shoes have been broken in ...... I believe.  We will soon find out.

Just checked the weather forecast for the week and I must say it looks a bit warm, 99 degrees!  Yikes!  Looks like we had better be packing plenty of water.  Hoping I will find bathrooms along The Way after drinking all that water, but I have mentally prepared myself for the inevitable..... bushes and trees.

The past twelve months have certainly been challenging, with the death of my father, illness, treatment, grad school and the tragedies that took place in Boston and Newtown, CT.  With the support of incredible colleagues, friends and family, I have come through on the other side!  Now, as I head off on this next journey, I have no doubt that I will get through this too.  When I make it to Santiago, I will offer prayers and thanks at the cathedral for the wonderful people in my life.

I hope to update this blog daily, with pictures I hope, but that may be a bit ambitious.  My sister Tracy will also help with updates as needed.  Adios for now!

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/camino-frances/