18 May Rabanal to Cruz de Ferro to Ponferrada 22 Miles through wind, snow and rain

The 5 AM wind outside my window in Rabanal was not something I wanted to hear.  The Pilgrims were all gathered outside the hostel looking up the-mountain with    amazement   and wonderment.  The Aussie's and South Africans were all excited because they were going to see snow... the Danish and Germans were properly dressing themselves to go through the snow.. this man from Oregon knew that this was going to be a long cold day of snow and mud.  It reminded me of my days as a young boy in a place called Swan Lake where I spent a few years growing up.  Suck it up and start up the mountain.    

The Cruz de Ferro was the first objective of the day.  It is here that people leave a stone or a prayer asking for God's grace.   I had several stones , shells and prayers to deliver so I had better get going before the snow stops everyone.   Some three hours later I arrived at the Cruz.   Cold, wet and not wanting to stand around to see if I could get hypothermia I  wasted no time in saying my words and departing in to the cloud of snow ahead.   Mission accomplished.  My prayers and thoughts left on the highest point of the Camino,  a part of the journey that I had thought about for several months.   A certain warmth went through my body and the walk today seemed very easy, my strength was at its best and the weather was no longer a problem.  Peace was with me.  

Next stop, Molinaseca 12 miles down the trail.   The snow continued , very little talking was going on today on the trail as  everyone had their heads down looking for an end to this distraction.  Some 6 miles or so the snow stopped and life changed to the better.   Molinaseca is a beautiful medieval   village. The old homes clean, in excellent state of repair and the new homes are most impressive.  If I had to guess it is a bedroom community to Ponferrada.  

After 9 hours of walking the most technical difficult part of the trail so far I made it to Ponferrada.  The mixture of cobble stones, solid rock surfaces, mud , small streams and highways was not your typical day on the Camino.  A job well done by all.  

Tomorrow in to the face of more snow.  Reports predict snow in the passes and rain in the lower areas.   What is this all about... it is spring here, I think.  It does not matter in reality.  It is a gift that I can walk ....

Best to all. 

Nick