Templars and the Camino

Ernest and my favorite villages so far are two high altitudes respites called Rabanal de Camino and Acebo. They are located just before the ascent of the mountain we just climbed and just after the steep descent of Monday. The Casa Rurals were quaint and cozy. The food delicious. The pilgrims were friendly and interesting. 

We left Acebo today and met and walked with two German pilgrims, Sandra and Jennifer. Jennifer had a foot deformity but is transversing the Camino brilliantly. ( This reminds me of the Special Olympic slogan, “So what’s your excuse?!!”) We again began descending the mountain. Our legs were tired from the long hike yesterday and hard descent. This descent today was a bit easier but still took careful footing and a slower pace. 

We hiked shorter today…about 11 miles but we were “dragging!”  We are staying in a modern hotel tonight in Ponferrado. ( We actually don’t want to be here with all the niceities but we wanted to be near the Templar Castle. If you aren’t aware of the significance of this castle; it’s strange octagonal shape; implications of the Ark of the Covenant; implications of the Holy Grail; and factual accounts of the protection of Christian pilgrims making the Camino de Santiago… You will find it fascinating reading. Our impression as we toured the restored ruin was of its SIZE. It is HUGE. I mean it covers enormous space. It is SO high. Its walls are a minimum of 4 feet thick. It has secret tunnels to giant water reservoirs underground. It has stone spiral staircases whose stones fit like a glove. We touched the stones thinking of those who designed it. Those who built it. Those who protected the pilgrims. It provided time and reflection on life as it was and life as it is and the magnificent God who knows us all and loves us dearly. 

Speaking of God we just want you to know that it is really difficult to be “light” when the people are so bright with Him. People trying to help us with our packs when we stop at a cafe; a woman stopping to pick up my poles when I laid them down to remove a jacket; strangers who see you wandering through a tiny village and when you say , ” Donde es cafe con leche?” They walk you to a cafe which is totally out of their way. We keep seeing JESUS EVERWHERE. 

Hoping for a 11 mile hike tomorrow. We are wearing shorts as the temperature is supposed to be in the 70’s. Bought shorts in Leon BEFORE it snowed. Never a dull moment but we are on Camino. 

Buen Camino