Day 23...Rabanal del Camino

HOLA...Buenos Tardes!



Yesterday we arrived in Rabanal del Camino, a wonderful village tucked in the mountains. We arrived early in the day as we only walked 23.4 km. Arriving early allows some rest after your household chores. When I do my laundry by hand it takes me about an hour...I use this time as meditation time. Each piece of clothing is dripping wet, I then take my towel and put one article in and then roll it up, and wring the excess water, taking less time to dry.



We both were able to get lower bunks this night making it easier to get up during the night to use the bathroom and not disturb anyone. I forgot to take my headlamp with me making me one bed off...I didn´t know if it was my bed so I slipped my hand under the edge of the pillow where my book was and discovered...no, it was my bed. I touched a large watch without distrubing the person sleeping. So, I went one row over touching under the corner of the pillow where my book was and quietly slid into my sleeping bag. It was a warm night so I didn´t need much warmth.



In 2002, I was without a sleeping bag because I carelessly shipped it forward to Santiago by the advice of a hospataler (sp?) and not listening to my intuition. My pack was an incredible 40 lbs without water (another 6.3 lbs) and my body was failing me climbing all the mountain ranges, different roads (asphalt, rocks, dirt, mud), you get the picture...so to get rid of the weight I shipped my rain gear and sleeping bag (never, ever do this while on the Camino!) and several other items to lighten my load and heal my swollen knee and painful groin area. Losing the weight did help...what it did not help was the rain and freezing temps I experienced when I didn´t keep the items I so carefully chose for my trek. Always listen to your inner guide, Always!

In Rabanal del Camino we stayed at a wonderful Albergue. Passing through two large wooden doors that were already open into a wonderful and inviting courtyard where Pilgrim´s from many countries were already drinking, eating and sharing stories from their days´ journey and possibly their life. It was a happy and welcoming atmosphere.

After doing my household chores I found a place in the Pilgrim´s kitchen to heat water for a cup of tea. Trying to light a 2 burner propane stove with a tiny lighter on a stove unfamiliar to me was more challenging than lighting our gas BBQ! I was not quick enough to turn the handle to ignite...instead the gas built up causing the burner to blow up! I immediately shut it off and had to start over several times, finally using the small burner (no kaboom) which took longer to heat but fine with me.

While waiting for my water to boil I looked around room, stone walls covered with pictures of Pilgrim´s from years past...Comradery (sp?) and happy faces in every picture. Sitting at a 16 ft. wooden table and pew like benches. The floor was also stone for easy cleaning from dirt and muddy shoes.

While drinking my tea two young german boys Benny & Lars (19 or 20) come into the kitchen wanting to cook their packaged pasta. I warned them of the burner & they wanted nothing to do with it. Smiling, I take the lighter and tell them I will do this only once and once again...kaboom!

The room was no longer quite with now three speaking german and I was wanting solitude. I went outside and found a sunny spot on a bench against a stone wall where I closed my eyes and listened to all the languages being spoken until I couldn´t discern any language. I smiled and felt very peaceful and fell asleep for a few minutes.

Yvonne and I ordered pasta and ensalata mixta (salad, veggies and tuna). There was too much food for us to finish. We offered the same two german boys our pasta which they were happy for and then Yvonne ordered another pasta dish for them since it seemed to her they might be on a budget. They very much appreciated the gesture and later while I was sleeping and Yvonne out and about they laid a bottle of red wine on her bed with a note.

We saw them awhile later and they asked if we had drank the win...no, we haven´t. We really didn´t want any wine but felt obligated that night since we did not want to carry a bottle of wine the next day. We shared the bottle and had many laughs and bonding moments. We haven´t seen the boys´ since the next morning walking to Moliniseca. They were very sweet.

Other Pilgrim´s noticed us sitting in a darkened corner and motioned to us that we needed to go to bed. Giggling until we laid our heads on the pillow. What a great day and night!

I´m tired so I hope all this makes sense. Love to all...AriZona