Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca

Today we were up in the mountains, with a steep climb followed by a sharp descent.

The Camino was slippery and wet in places

It was also very rocky.

We were above the treeline but this gave some tremendous views across the Sierra and the plains beyond

The colours were brilliant

And there were plenty of great coffee stops along the Camino

Cruz de Fero - The Iron Cross where you leave a stone, say a prayer and leave you worries behind.

Pilgrims' Solar Clock

Pilgrim radars - always on alert for refreshments

Pilgrim Fare

Temptation lurks everywhere and taxis drivers eye up potential ailing pilgrims with sore feet

The Ukrainian Flag

Distant village

Riego de Ambrós

Narrow streets with overhanging balconies

Molinaseca Roman Bridge

Resting pilgrim 

Door made from barrel

Astorga to Rabanal del Camino

Sunrise in Castrillo de los Polvazares

Don't ask, I've no idea what this is about....

Santa Catalina de Somoza

All pilgrims get excited when they see green plastic chairs ahead....

Behind bars

Pilgrim staffs, carved while you wait.

The Cowboy Bar

Celtic Santiago sign

Baby on board - German pilgrims

Crosses woven into fence by pilgrims

 Cachena cattle

Pilgrims waiting for Albergue in Rabanal del Camino to open

 Refuge Gaucelmo

Inside the dormitory (sleeps 20)

Santiago 

Monasterio de San Salvador de Monte Irago

All pilgrims catered for....

Walking on Spain

Astorga - Rest Day

Display of the emergency services outside the Cathedral

Unidad Militar de Emergencias - newest branch of the Spanish Armed Forces - rescue services

Catedral de Santa María de Astorga 

Street art

Troops in The Peninsula War when Astorga was besieged by the French

Astorga has been making chocolate since the cocoa bean was brought back from Mexico by Hernán Cortés in 1528 ..... This was 1kilo bar - too heavy to carry in a backpack

The day I choose to visit the Chocolate Museum is 22nd May 🙄Santa Rita is Patron Saint of the Impossible!!!

Didn't see this coming... bit of a shock to be honest!

Gaudi - Palacio Episcopal de Astorga (Bishop's Palace)

Statues of Santiago dressed as a pilgrim

Another speciality from Astorga - Hojaldres - like a lardy cake