May 9 Astorga to Rabanal to del Camino 14.24 miles 33,431 steps

If someone were to ask me about an hour ago why I'm walking every day I might just say, "not sure. Because I can?" And that is reason enough. I was grateful as well today for the technologically advanced clothing we have that keeps us warm and dry from head to toe so exceptionally. I was also grateful that a bathroom appeared when it was needed and that stop allowed us to meet two Israeli fellows who were not as well equipped. They just began their Camino yesterday in Astorga and had makeshift ripping ponchos to cover themselves and their packs. Coming from the desert, our typical Northwest attire was not even available. They marveled at our equipment. We have rain today as you can see but it is actually good weather for us to walk in, not too hot.
Tomorrow's walk will take us up over the highest point on the Camino so now that we've nested for the day in this lovely refugio where I am sprawled out on a divine couch in a lovely sitting room with a glass of Ribera wine, I don't plan to move much. The church next door will have a Gregorian chant concert at 7 PM and then a blessing for peregrinos at 9. We take all the blessings we can get.

I don't write about the history because that is available in many forms and we can always add that when we are at home. This Blogger app doesn't allow me to upload audio or video files either. Sometimes I think I should write with organized themes: food, geography, people we meet, my inner workings, the walking, weather, even doors (they're often so beautiful). However, I think if you will indulge me, it's best to just write what comes each day. For that is the spirit of the Camino - yes?

We passed today the house that St. Francis of Assisi stayed in when he made this walk.

I sit now in this drawing room with a French couple who live in the north of France and have walked from their home to this spot for four years (on and off I assume).

We are not unique at all here. Just peregrinos walking to Santiago.