Camino de Santiago: Day 34 - Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo de San Miguel (July 17, 2014)

The trek today brought me back up on the hills and gave me a good cardio workout as I climbed to the highest point of 1,500 m on Camino Frances to reach Cruz de Ferro, a significant milestone for me. I dropped a couple of stones that I brought from home at the foot of the cross as a symbol of letting go and letting God and then said a quick and simple prayer; perhaps it's all in the mind, but I felt relieved after I let the stones go.

It's unbelievably beautiful up on the hills and it felt like I was walking in an air-conditioned room all morning because of the cool and pleasant temperature. I'm grateful for the solitude and space.

I walked 16 km (9.9 miles) from Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo de San Miguel today in 4 hour 15 minutes, arriving at 11 am. A sign I saw at a bar/restaurant about a new albergue at the end of the town piqued my interest, so I decided to check it out. When I saw the building, I was sold. It looked like a hotel/resort at first impression. I'm well-pleased with the facilities and I can say that it is by far the best albergue I've stayed in thus far on the Camino and all for a very reasonable rate of 10 euros a night. As the albergue opened just 2 months ago, everything is still brand new and dandy. I'm a happy camper. :-)

Above: Entering (and passing through) Foncebadon

Above left: Yours truly at Cruz de Ferro (1,500 m), the highest point on Camino Frances

Above right: Albergue Los Templarios in Manjarin ~ eccentric galore, "medieval" decor; its "medieval" (read: outdoor) commode was, according to a pilgrim I talked to, "the filthiest I've seen..."

Above right: This man walked slowly and carefully because he's (as you can see) going bare feet on the Camino ~ I respect his conviction and find his determination inspiring as well

Above left: Hot and sharp-edged rocks ~ the bare feet man behind me was in my thoughts

Above right: B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

Above: The descent was difficult for me ~ glad to have my stick for balance and support

Above: Arriving in El Acebo de San Miguel

Above right: The entrance to the reception at Casa del Peregrino Albergue in El Acebo de San Miguel ~ newly opened, just 2-months old

Above: Casa del Peregrino Albergue in El Acebo is by far the best albergue I've stayed in thus far ~ resort/hotel-like environment set on a hill with magnificent views, bunk beds with individual power outlets (2 per bed), a personal light, modern bathrooms, hot showers, a lounge area with leather sofas (that still smell like new leather), a restaurant, and a mini-market all in one place. There's also a swimming pool, which I did not use (didn't bring my swim suit). Guess what the best part is? 10 euros a night.

Above right: My lunch at a bar in El Acebo ~ Gazpacho and Tinto de Verano ("Red wine of Summer" ~ refreshing wine cocktail of one part carbonated lemon juice and one part red wine);7 euros

Above: 3-course Pilgrim's dinner (10 euros) at the albergue with Boris, from the Czech Republic

Next post: Day 35 - El Acebo de San Miguel to Ponferrada (July 18, 2014)

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