Iron Crosses and the 1500m

 Before we leave Foncebadon let us visit La Taberna de Gaia. Little can beat a glass or two of the nearly local red, some chorizo and jamon. 4.7 stars from almost 1000 reviews suggest it is worth a visit. Two weeks ago Abel Percio gave it 5 stars. A month a go it got another five and

I had dinner here a month ago and I still remember the taste.
When I said I wanted to eat spicy food, the owner recommended pasta and ordered it, and it was the best.
I put Vietnamese pepper on top, set it aside and ate it, and it was warm and plentiful.
My group ordered the grilled cod pilgrim menu. It was grilled in a frying pan until golden brown and lightly sprinkled with coarse salt. It was savory and light.
It was the best food throughout the pilgrimage.
The chef here would be a big hit if he went to a big city and opened a restaurant.
We give you the highest Michelin score.




Lets be honest, the chief interest today is the Cross of iron, the high point on this trip. We are 1504m above sea level - 150m above Ben Nevis; 800m above the highest point in Belgium and 1200m above that in the Netherlands. Reviewers have mixed feelings.
Eric Sanne said


A “High Point” on the Camino, and not to be missed. Leaving at 6 AM I was able to reach the Cruz de Ferro by 7:50 am from Rabanal in time for a gorgeous sunrise. There was no line, which is another benefit of getting there early.




Others came from Foncebadon, but then they missed the amazing Benedictine choir services in Rabanal (another high point of the Camino).




. Valentin however went two stars and ‘I‘ve never been more disappointed in my life. If you want to see a bunch of trees instead of a beautiful sunrise, go for it. But you could also just stop 10min earlier where the trail turns to have an amazing view. Walking here feels like walking on top of everyone’s problems.’

I think Valentin may need a hug.

The only way is down.
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Abigail Ortiz, Nigel Amies and 2 others

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