From Rabanal to El Acebo

Although this is not a long day, 20km, it is an uphill and then a very hard downhill. We left Rabanal about 9am and it was so cold and lovely and we had the path to ourselves. Within 15 min, another pilgrim (we thought) approached us going into Rabanal and his greeting, with an English accent coming out of a very long beard, was : “you think you own the place so just f**k yourselves.” Not quite the smiling “Buen Camino” we’ve come to know. Anyway, things went up from there, both psychologically and geographically. 

Here are some scenes from today’s walk. 

Just leaving Rabanal: 1C but sun shining. 

At the Cruz de Ferro, originally for pilgrims to see their way in the path and now pilgrims leave a stone or momento from home. It was very windy so we really bundled up. 

First garbage pail we’ve seen right on the path. I’m sure this small stand is full of goodies during the season. 

Starting our descent into El Acebo. Very tough on the knees and ankles. But now we are at a new albergue in the lap of luxury. 50€ for bed and breakfast for the two of us: