After Astorga, the Meseta is a closed chapter of the Camino Francés, and the Montes de León mountains lies before one. This is where the pilgrims cross over the highest point on the Camino Francés and pass by the iconic Cruz de Ferro, but we will not get there on this day.
Astorga, with the Catedral de Santa María de Astorga.
The Camino is making a slow ascent on this day, mostly passing by large open fields. There is some walking on paved roads, but it later makes way for dusty gravel tracks. After walking through a high plains landscape dotted with dry and tall grass, we arrive at the Santa Catalina de Somoza village. A charming village that makes for a nice place for a stop for a coffee or refreshment.
Approaching Santa Catalina de Somoza.
The streets of Santa Catalina de Somoza.
After Santa Catalina de Somoza the vistas become even more open and long ranging. Tall grass lining up on both sides of stone fences. Distant tall mountains. Wonderful walking.
Open landscape next to the Camino.
If the presence of Clint Eastwood felt nearby in El Burgo Ranero, the small village of El Ganso is literally taking that step a bit further. Here one finds the Mesón Cowboy, the best of the good (the bad and the ugly). I want to have a photo of its front, it is marred by a parked car, it would have been great if it had been a stagecoach instead.
Meson Cowboy, El Ganso.
A dilapidated house in El Ganso, notice the cross.
El Ganso provides another interesting aspect of walking the Camino Francés. It is one of those villages that has seen its population decline. Still, it boasts two bars. If the Camino had not passed through the village, I would reckon the situation would be different. We leave the village passing by dilapidated and abandoned houses.
My pinecone animal on a Camino milestone.
From El Ganso, the Camino continues its walk through a mostly open landscape. Although, we pass through forested sections on the way. I feel inspired, making a pinecone animal that I place on one of the milestones on the way.
A nice path through woodland.
We call it a day at Rabanal de Camino, not because we cannot make it any further, but it feels like a nice place to stay. I visit the small church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Our albergue for the night, Refugio Gaucelmo, is a nice place for pilgrims, with clean rooms and a spacious garden for recreation after the walk.
Inside Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Rabanal de Camino.
In the evening, there is a band playing at another place, making for a nice end of a nice Camino day. Tomorrow the Cruz de Ferro awaits.
At a concert in Rabanal de Camino.
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