June 2nd – As much as I loved Astorga I am also anxious to start walking again. My last evening here held many surprises which included running into Pauline, Kim and Sue along with a return visit in the plaza where a man was walking his rabbit named Lulu again this evening.
The blue sky, cool morning air and countryside is calling me. Today’s Camino is the beginning of a climb into what seems like high desert and it feels good to have my body moving again on the path. One of the joys of the Camino for me is to arrive from one town to another by foot and take in every scene and sound along the way. It’s addictive.
The path is busy today, I think with additional pilgrims who joined the Camino in Leon. Entering into Santa Catalina de Somoza I spy the common stork nest that each small village has at least one of.
This is a very sweet village and a highlight includes seeing some of my pilgrim friends from Orisson who are taking a coffee break at a sidewalk cafe; as well as, seeing the mother and three year old, this time with him walking beside her. (Notice my shadow doing a photo bomb!)
In the final stretch on today’s short walk there is a man dressed in medieval garb with a falcon. As I ooh and ahh he brings out a large glove and motions for me to put it on. Before I know it this beautiful creature and I are face to face while she is perched on my arm. She is 12 years old and is calm, not minding me petting her soft feathers.
What an unexpected thrill for this pilgrim
to be able to pet and hold a falcon. Life is good.
I attended a 30 minute Gregorian chant service at the small Benedictine Monastery tonight. While I am not Catholic, I came to give thanks for this wonderful Camino experience in a celebration of Thanksgiving.
Rabanal Del Camino has an old tradition of caring for pilgrims and the Knights Templar are thought to have had a presence here as early as the 12th century ensuring safe passage of pilgrims over this remote mountain terrain. Tomorrow I will walk to the well known monument Cruz de Ferro.
What a joy that must have been Susan. Of course, all of it, but the falcon must have been an amazing experience.
I am sure you did not know holding and petting a handsome Falcon was going to be one of your awe inspiring experiences, but as you noted “Life is Good.”
Hi Susan,
I am Australian Sue’s husband and I am following your travels along the Camino. Look forward to your daily updates!
Happy walking!
Regards
Steve
Hi Steve! I saw Sue (and Kim) again yesterday and they are well and enjoying the Camino.