Day 12 - Bus to Astorga and Walk to Rabanal

 Once again,

we caught an early bus to Astorga,

from where we would walk to Rabanal del Camino.

Photo by Linda Hendrix

The Alsa bus is very nice!

And the ride was scenic.

The sun was still coming up when we reached Astorga.

If I do another trip like this one,

I'll plan to spend an entire day in Astorga.

There is a lot to see here, and I was sorry

that we had to rush in order to reach 

our evening destination.

photo by Linda Hendricks

Leaving Astorga

Photo by Linda Hendricks

Walking into Santa Catalina

which is always a great place to stop

for refreshments!

Photo by Linda Hendricks

When we got to the Cowboy Bar, 

it was packed,

so we snuck next door

for a quiet garden lunch.

But I still had to have my photo taken at the Cowboy.

Below is a great photo by Linda or Patty of the Cowboy Bar's owner.

Photo by Patty Moak

Love these green doors!

 Do not drink this water!

This night, we stayed at the El Refugio Albergue in Rabanal.

It's a beautiful place!

There is an evening mass,

sung in Latin,

at the Benedictine chapel across the road. 

The following photos are by Patty Moak

  

Some of us almost missed the mass,

because we were busy and singing

old songs from the 70's!

Is this Rapunzel?

Nope!

It's Charmaine!

We ended the evening with a wonderful dinner!

Thanks, Patty, for the photos!

This albergue is very comfortable,
and they serve delicious affordable meals for the pilgrim.
They also have internet,
and a nice place to hang laundry.
It's always a nice experience for our group.

* * *

Note:  If you are interested in walking the Camino Santiago, 

but are not quite ready to go it alone, 

consider joining Annie

on one of our small, affordable Camino walks. 

For more information see our website 

at this link: AnnieWalkers Camino

Day 11 - We bus to Leon

We picked up two new walkers in Burgos, Nancy and Laura from Iowa.

Next morning, we left at the break of dawn to catch our bus to Leon.

Anita wow'd us with yet another beautiful pair of shoes!

Anita and Lottie (who joined us in Logrono) wait patiently for our bus.

 Our two newest walkers from Iowa, Nancy and Laura, 

may feel a bit overwhelmed.

But they'll get used to us! ::laughing::

 Soon, the sunrise, beautiful from the bus window,

greeted us.

Another day on the Camino!

Once in Leon,

we all went our different ways.

We were not able to check into our hotel rooms

until after noon.

Some of the ladies went shopping and touristing

Photo by Linda Hendricks

I began my day in Leon at a fantastic little exposition at the Museum. 

There were 3 exhibits: one about Alexander the Great, 

one showing many ancient original biblical scrolls and texts, 

and one with fascinating woodcarved figures. 

I haven't been able to figure out the artist's name, but his work was stunning.

I may borrow some of the costuming ideas

for my Nativity Sets.

After the Museum,

I took a quick look at the nearby San Isadoro church.

Then, a break for Churros and Chocolate!

YUM

I've posted some fantastic photos of Leon on my Spring blog.

But here are a few more to whet your appetitite for this

fantastic city!

And of course,

I HAD to have my photo taken

with Elvis!

Day 10 - We Bus to Burgos

This morning, we take a bus to Burgos.

Getting 15 people organized and to the bus station in time

took some doing,

but we made it!

Pam shoots off a couple of emails before the bus leaves. 

Calfred II has free wi-fi as well as a nice computer room. 

The computers cost 1 euro for 20 minutes.

The group gathered at the bus station.

And we admired Anita's gorgeous, clean shoes!

Compared to ours,

which are muddy and worn,

hers were like heaven!

The scenery from the bus window was nice to see.

I remember walking these stages not so long ago!

Vinyards.

Just a few sunflowers remain.

The bull!

Burgos has some very cool statuary in town.

Smile! It's BURGOS!

This trip,
I was able to make it to the Archaelogical Museum.
It is fantastic,
and worth the visit.
If you arrive in time,
a bus will take you to the site
of the oldest human remains found in Europe.

There were sculptures of humanoids that were so life-like

you'd swear they were alive.

 We stated at Hostal Carrales.

It was nice, but I'd like to find a place that is a little lighter

and closer to the Cathedral for groups,

if I lead another one next year.

Unfortunately, 

I did not take a lot of photos in Burgos.

We did ride the Choo-choo, which was worth the trip,

and saw the Cathedral.