A very short hike today only 18 km about ten miles, rain was in the forecast but never appeared. A nice hike back into nature, to hear the birds sing their morning songs, to listen the leaves rustle in the wind, to look up and see faces and figures in the passing clouds, the sun trying to peek thru the clouds to cast a beam of light on a field of now golden grain.
About half way thru the hike came upon a wayside stand offering fruit, juice , cookies, coffee, herbal tea, toast jams and jellies , local honey, homemade bread, bananas,oranges, and apples. The stand is created by a wonderful woman , everything is at no cost, just donate what you can . She just places her trust that there will always be enough for everyone if we just give to each other and trust. She is living in a blissful spot in the middle of nowhere but somewhere. She keeps a fire going , she tends her gardens and her roses , she gives best wishes to everyone who passes by. She has a litter of cats sitting next to a wood stove, she has created several areas for pilgrims to rest and reflect. An amazing soul.
Later I cam upon a local man sitting on a bench playing his guitar and singing pilgrim songs. I sat and listened and talked story for a period of time. Nice to go at a slow pace and enjoy the journey.
I arrived in Astorga dry and pleased with the day, the town sports gothic and Gaudi architecture . Lots of places to eat a very charming village of 12,000 residents .
The thought of the day; a desire is never given to you without the power to realize it. But it could perhaps be that you have to work for it.
Here are some photos from the day
mybuencamino 