This was the first real test of my rain gear. It rained all night last night, and the first two kilometres was through thick mud, with mist for effect. Walking through this much mud for this long was a first for me. It's not fun! It kind of gloms onto your boots, makes a schlurping noise when your foot comes out, and you watch your walking stick disappear in 15 cm of water in the puddles. All this was because somebody decided to grade the road. I don't have much to say for Spanish road improvement!
At the top of a long hill after about sixkilometres walk I chanced upon a young man (perhaps 30 or so) whose purpose is to bring goodwill to the pilgrims by keeping what seems like a permanent Camp here, and providing fruit, a light breakfast, many kinds of juice, and a warm greeting.
The Town of Astorga is a cathedral town. And while the cathedral was interesting enough, it is not in the same league as Bergos or Leon. What is even more interesting, possibly is the episcopal palace which now houses a museum for Peregrinos.
The walk through the afternoon was not particularly pleasant. It was about three hours through steady rain, and while it washed the mud off my rain pants, it was not the nicest experience. And when I got to Santa Catalina, my destination for the day, the sun came out. Oh sun, please don't taunt me now!
Today's Music: Thank you (Alanis Morissette, in honour of the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday)
Today's Paces: 28,932
Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions: this is rather sad – a Canadian Pilgrim died of a heart attack several days ago on the Camino. Some of the other pilgrims were talking about it last night at supper. Kathy found the obituary, and I am contacting his family to let them know I am remembering him in prayer. John Leonard Goodwin - rest in peace and rise in glory.
It's February, there's 30 cm of snow on the ground, and I am watching The Way for the first time since my Camino. I had forgotten that Alanis Morissette's Thank You was also used in the film.
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