Day 24: Rabanal to Molinaseca - 26.5km

Emotional moment at La Cruz de Farro

From my Mom:
Although the mileage doesn't look like much after some days we've done, (16.4) Steve and I decided that it was definitely one of our toughest days. We left Rabanal about 6:50 and had hiked about one mile when the rain and wind started. It was pretty awful for about 10 miles. Imagine getting up, putting on your shorts, tank top and long sleeve UVA shirt, then wrapping yourself in Saran wrap (in our case, an emergency poncho) and then setting out to hike in Tahoe, in the rain, 45 degrees, with winds blowing about 20 miles an hour. At first we were like, look at all those peregrinos in their long pants, waders, jackets, hats, heavy boots, etc. and then when we were wading through huge rivers of mud and water, we thought, geez maybe we should have carried a few extra pounds!! Still not sure though.

Today was very special as we reached the highest peak of our whole journey. If you saw the movie, The Way, it's where the huge cross sits at the top at La Cruz de Ferro. It's where you place a stone for any myriad of reasons: to let go of all your problems, to pause awhile and remember the purpose of your journey, or to place your token of love and blessing to the great pile that witnesses to our collective journeying. One woman was so overcome with emotion that she stood in the pouring, freezing rain and sobbed uncontrollably. We just stood under the protection of the small chapel and said our prayers for all of our friends. Perhaps one of the most significant spots on the Camino. We continued on and stopped in a small town where every peregrino came in completely drenched and shivering. We hung out with friends for awhile, tried to dry off a bit and continued on our way. The rain had let up a bit, but now we were hiking straight downhill on what looked like shale and loose rocks. I was ahead of Steve as his shin was bothering him and I felt great, when suddenly my foot went out from under me and basically I slid into a very graceful fall. Thank God for my poles or the Camino may have been over for me. Steve thought it was all very funny. We finally arrived at our destination for the night and heard that many people were taken off the mountain or had to call taxis because of injury. This is serious stuff out here and not to be taken lightly.

We took awesome, HOT showers, had some lunch, met a nice couple from Ireland and are now taking a quick nap. The rain continues to come down and we can only hope it won't be as awful as today. Our Saran Wrap won't hold out much longer.

We ended up sleeping for about an hour and a half. It's amazing how your body tells you what it needs. After hiking 370 miles, I was really tired today. Nap felt terrific!

The rain had stopped so we walked down a lovely little street to a restaurant and ran into several of our new friends. We sat with Tom and Ann and enjoyed a nice pilgrim meal of hake (a very popular fish out here) spaghetti, ice cream and wine if you wanted it. I actually passed on the wine tonight. Steve told the waiter he only wanted a glass and the guy gave him a bottle and said, "just drink what you want." Pretty funny.

Everyday we meet new people out here and are always surprised by who we might run into from the beginning of our journey.

We are getting geared up for an extremely tough hike in two days! We feel strong and ready, although now that my shin is fine, Steve's is bothering him, so we'll see how he is in the morning.

Our best to all of you,

Sue and Steve

Heading for the summit

Out of control wind and rain

Check out what Sue is wearing vs everybody else!

Heading into town

Tom and Anna from Ireland

I've iced my shin and knee tonight

A break from the rain

24 hikes down ...

... 9 to go ...

Tuesday, 9/25 AM

 

Warming up at halfway point

 

 

Crossing ancient bridge