Walking by the Stars of the Maseta
Though I was up late last night, I decided I still wanted to be up really early this morning. I wanted to walk the ‘sky country’ of the Maseta with a view of the stars. I started walking at 5:30am. It was completely dark except for the Stars. It was just enough light to see by without a headlamp, if I walked slowly. It was cold.
As I walked, it got colder. And, also, slowly, imperceptibly lighter. Gradually, I could see further. I could make out the horizon in the distance. I started to see the fog laying in the grass. The sky began to change. The Stars faded and an orange glow appeared on the horizon. Slowly, as I walked, the sun rose, the fog lifted, the air warmed, and the day began. By this time, I had walked 10km, to the town of Hontanas. I had coffee as pilgrims began to wake in that town.
I continued walking and I have made it to the Convento de San Anton.
It is in ruins.
But, there is an albergue tucked inside…sort of. The roof is gone on the original building, but there has been a roof added to a section with bunk beds and a kitchen. The volunteer is Monia, from Italy. Though I arrived very, very early (before 10am), she made me some tea and allowed me to grab a bed. I have walked 16km today, but I think I will stop here. This place seems very peaceful.
I spent about 4 hours in the bunk room, napping, and reading. Completely solo and in peace and quiet. There is no hot water or electricity here. It is quiet. More people arrived in the early afternoon. Bess and Ellie from Utah and Ravi from Ireland. I colored a page in a coloring book.
We are cooking a meal all together (on a gas stove). Monia made proper Italian pasta sauce. We are outside in the cool evening air. We cleaned up by candle light.
I’m back in bed. I’m happy today.
