One step at a time with a little help once and a while. Our albergue was in a old renovated building and everything squeaked. The door, the floors, the pipes, even the bed frames squeaked. It was hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. I had just gotten into a sound sleep and the early risers were already starting to stir to get a head start on their day.

Doreen is recovering from a cold and did not want to walk too far today, so we hailed a taxi for the first 10 kms. We started walking in Santa Catalina de Somoza.

The sun was shining but that south wind was still making my eyes water and I did have three layers on. We stopped at El Ganso for a cafe con leche at a Western bar with an elderly gaucho making the coffee. There was all kinds of western apparel and accessories hanging from the ceiling and the walls.

Our walk continued on a path parallel to the road. In the distance you could see the hills that we would have to climb tomorrow. The skyline was dotted with the wind turbines, some gently turning in the wind.

As the morning warmed, we had to stop to shed clothing. Often along the way, you happen upon rock formations that others have made. I added “joy” to this heart.

About 2 kms from Rabanal del Camino the path was thru a woodland where the canopy of trees provided a shaded walk. Along the path there was a fence and pilgrims had added crosses into the wire of the fence.

Doreen and I added our own crosses made of twigs, oak branches, a dried orchid blossom and some heather.

My twig cross

Doreen’s cross
There is not much in this little village. It is a good resting place before climbing the highest point of 1,505m on the El Camino. Tonight the Benedictine monks will do a concert of gregorian chants and then it will be an early night for an early start in the morning. The weather is supposed to be clear but cool. The view at the La Cruz de Ferro should be awesome.