Chilly Approach to Rabanal del Camino

The walking was fine today although we will have to purchase gloves for the chilly mornings. Until then socks will do. We went up in elevation gradually. Rabanal is a quaint village. The architecture is impressive with its stone walls. Our albergue served afternoon tea. It is a lovely place with a herb garden and a large open space out back with benches and chairs to enjoy the sun. It is a truly peaceful place.

We will be attending vespers this evening with the monks providing song through Gregorian chant.

Yesterday we posted a picture of a bridge but neglected to give any history about it. The bridge, Puenta de Orbigo is one of the longest and best preserved bridges in Spain, dating from the 13th century. This bridge is also noted for a famous jousting tournament that took place in 1434. Of course it involved a beautiful lady who scorned a noble knight. 

Tomorrow will be more challenging as we head up through the pass Irago to the highest point of our whole journey. At the top we will arrive at Cruz de Ferro. This is the place where pilgrims can add a stone or other token of love and blessing to the great pile of stones etc. left by the multitude of pilgrims before us.