I left Astorga before 8 this morning in the dark without breakfast. Again it was paved streets for quite some time.
Finally I came upon a very lovely cafe in Murias de Rechivaldo. The proprietor was a bit flakey, she was all over the place putting on cd’s, making coffee, fixing sandwiches, filling napkin holders and various other cafe duties. My breakfast was wonderful even though she forgot my orange juice.
Next stop was in Santa Catalina de Samoza for the missed orange juice and my daily sock changing ritual.
On I went to the infamous Cowboy bar in El Ganzo. This stop was for a coca cola. ¡El Ganzo is a one stork town sin vacquieros y caballos!
Finally I made my way through a gnarly forest to Rabanal for a shower, some food and a collapse into the bed for a siesta.
All told today’s trek was 12.75 miles/22.1 kms completed in 4 hours and 43 minutes without counting stops.
Thoughts and Adventures 
Arlene, enjoying your posts and reliving my recent experience. I missed the Cowboy bar. Walked right past.
Be sure to try for the pilgrim blessing in Rabanal. I missed it but heard it was beautiful.
Getting close now.
Anne 🐌
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Are you in R. Gaucelmo.. having afternoon tea? Buen Camino
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Hi Arlene –
I hope you’re enjoying Rabanal. If you didn’t stay at Refugio Gaucelmo did you stay at La Posada De Gaspar? It was one of my favourite places to stay last year – and our room had a huge bath and tons of hot water! Great restaurant too with friendly people. Cruz del Ferro coming up – that’s going to be big – I hope that being there and observing the traditions associated with it will be a massive comfort to you.
Take joy in every step –
Jenny
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Looks a bit like a ‘western cowtown’………………… it seems so many who comment on your posts are people who have done this walk as well. You need to write a book when you return, and I know you can do that, that is simple compared to what you are undertaking…………….
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