RABANAL – MOLINASECA

16 APRIL

26.5km

Today is my dear mom’s birthday … I trust she will be spoiled by her sister and our family back in South Africa. I miss her today – I’m sure she would have enjoyed walking the Camino with us.

We left our albergue just after 7:00 in chilly weather. The wind was coming from the snow covered mountains and we wasted no time in getting our gloves, buffs and jackets out.

A landscape that reminds us of the well-known “fynbos” bushes in mountains near Cape Town

It was quiet in Foncebadon when we walked through this town – many pilgrims overnight here to be at La Cruz de Ferro before sunrise. There were a few steep up hills to reach La Cruz de Ferro. Fortunately, it was still early morning and at the beginning of our day, which meant we had enough energy to walk this with ease.

An uphill towards La Cruz de Ferro

When we reached Cruz de Ferro, there were a small group of pilgrims busy taking photo’s.

Time to reflect:

While we were waiting for the other pilgrims to finish, we took this moment to be quiet and thought about everyone that is important to us … those we love and is still with us, but also our loved-ones that passed away. Berto and I also took each others’ hands and remembered our miscarriages over the last few years … we felt blessed to be together on this journey.

What is Cruz de Ferro?

The Cruz de Ferro is, according to Brierley’s guide, 1505m above sea level and the highest point of the Camino. The pole, standing high on a pile of rocks with an iron cross on top, is a well known symbol of the Pilgrim Way of St James.

Time to reflect at Cruz de Ferro

We brought small stones from South Africa to place here to remember our loved ones. I also had an additional stone in remembrance of the Healing Hearts support group that I coordinate at the hospital where I work (Mediclinic Panorama, in Cape Town).

For us, this was a gesture of celebration to be on this journey – here in Spain on this Camino.

At Cruz de Ferro

Although the main road is not far from the track where we were walking, it was quiet with beautiful surroundings. This was a very special moment for us on the Camino.

To add to this special day, we came across a “donativo” stall – on its own next to the walking track, filled with fruit, water and juice. After donating a few Euro’s, we each took a banana and juice to enjoy after all the up hills we encountered since this morning. The Camino just keeps on surprising us …

“Donativo” next to the road

Serene beauty on our way to Molinaseca

On our way to Acebo, it was down hill all the way! The road descends sharply and we had to choose our steps careful between the loose rocks on the dirt track. We saw many pilgrims on this down hill – each one walked with extra care to get unhurt at Acebo.

Loose rocks on the down hill to Acebo

Acebo in the valley

In Acebo we found a small restaurant where we enjoyed a well deserved “café con leche”. From here, it is less than 10km to Molinaseca where we will overnight.

It was still down hill after Acebo, but not as steep as earlier. We encountered nice smelling bushes and tiny flowers on our way to Molinaseca. It was great walking the Camino in spring time!

Beautiful paths on our way to Molinaseca

Just always follow the yellow arrow

Choose your steps very carefully here

At around 13:00 we walked into Molinaseca. It was a really beautiful walk today and we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and tranquility on this road.

In Molinaseca

Medieval bridge over the Meruelo river that leads into the village of Molinaseca

We stayed at Albergue Santa Marina. It’s quite a walk to get to this albergue as it is at the end of the town, but it’s definitely worth staying there. The facility was super clean and, in our dorm, there were no bunk beds – hooray!! We also had a breathtaking view from our beds!

Albergue Santa Marina

After we made our beds, we headed back into town to have lunch and ice-cold “cervezas” next to the river at a beautiful restaurant.

Cheers to a day of up- and down hills

We could not find an ATM to draw cash and, for the first time, we had to wash our clothes by hand. We saw many pilgrims washing their clothes by hand, but the washing machine was the one luxury item we allowed ourselves on this journey 😊.

Berto however did not shy away from this and washed our clothes, while I hanged them on the line … like real ancient pilgrims.

Laundry time – as it was done in the earlier years – by hand

This was a great day on the Camino – the scenery was breathtaking beautiful and our visit to Cruz de Ferro was a real special moment.

We thoroughly enjoyed today’s walk and it was with a feeling of satisfaction that we went to bed later that evening.