What did we do during siesta today? Why, we waited, and then we waited some more.
Perhaps it was the fatigue of having walked for five or six hours, perhaps it was simply herd behaviour, or maybe it was the Camino telegraph at work. Whatever it was, six of us busily waited two or more hours for the albergue doors to open.
Albergue Gaucelmo
While we waited we made up stories. About whether the doors would open, about where the volunteers might be. Some posited the notion (I may have been party to this) that they were standing behind the door observing us. That idea was debunked when the volunteers appeared with essential supplies, for us, from the market.
But hopes they might admit us earlier than the sign said were dashed when they closed the door behind them.
Then the stories turned to the possibility they might have tea and cake for us. And, this turned out to be true. It was real tea. Tea designed to make tea-lovers homesick, tea made properly with water on the boil and in a tea pot. (No tea cosy but then you probably don’t need one on a warm Spanish afternoon in autumn). The cake bit was true, too. Apple cake – home-made by one of the volunteers.
It must be autumn!
We’re at albergue Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino. It’s operated by volunteers from the Confraternity of St James which is based in London. It is an albergue with a bit of a reputation on the Camino for its traditions, which is no doubt why the Completo sign is out – there are no more beds at this inn, tonight.
Despite the wait we were checked in in a caring and careful manner which included being escorted to our beds and shown the showers.
The albergue has a close relationship with the monastery next door. Tonight we’ve been to the Gregorian chant at 7:00pm, after dinner we’ll go the evening prayers and Pilgrims’ blessing.
As for our walk this morning was the coldest yet – three layers and gloves and hat.
Our lunch stop at El Ganso
But by the time we stopped for an early lunch the temperature had warmed considerably. The diurnal range here is commonly in excess of 20C.
Today’s walk was picturesque.
Typical architecture near Santa Catalina
It took discipline to keep on walking when we were surrounded by so many photographic opportunites.
The approach to Rabanal
On the blister front matters are improving. I’ve developed a new one but that’s not bad at all considering I have once were red and now are dusty brown new shoes.
Tomorrow we cross the highest point of the Camino. We’ll aim for either Acebo or Riego de Ambrosia.
Categories: Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain
Jill's Scene 
The sights are indeed gorgeous and I guess how difficult it might be to not stop at every place you want to make a picture. If I were there, I would drive my husband crazy, stopping the whole time. 😂
Sorry for the new blister. Hope it heals fast.
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The walk is looking very picturesque. I love the pumpkins in the field. I know I’d be wanting to stop for photos! I’m glad your blister is getting better but sorry about the new one. I wondered how long before your pretty red shoes turned brown with dust. 🙂
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Great selection of photos Jill…keep them and the days stories coming
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It must take a strong determination to keep walking past so many photo ops. I wonder how many a day you take, and all those picturesque buildings would have me wanting to stop for a sketch. I always say I will take A photo and sketch when I get home, but that doesn’t usually happen…
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According to the counter on my camera nearly 2,400 but I think that must be a mistake!
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I think that could be short changing you. We took 3000 in 2 weeks on our outback trip just recently
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Hey Pauline, It’s interesting to read your comment. I take photos as we walk and generally sketch at least one of them each day, just as you suggest!
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I do hope you post some of your sketches when you get back 🏡 John, I would love to see them. I’m loving virtually doing this pilgrimage with you both. Better than the books I’ve read because of the many photos and because I know you.
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I agree with HH, that Albergue looks marvellous. Do other tourists visit these places, or just people on the pilgrim trail?
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Vos photos nous montrent tout ce qui nous attend en 2018 et nous avons déjà hâte de reprendre le chemin ….merci et buen camino
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Yhe accomodation looks very inviting and the pumpkin field makes a lovely photo.
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