Meeting David Vidal – Walking towards Astorga
Today on the way to Astorga, I took the long way round to meet David at the House of the Gods.
I’d heard a lot about David who has been living on the Camino for many years purely to provide food and drink and a place to rest for weary pilgrims.
With the number of pilgrims on the track today, I thought I might not get a chance to chat with him, but at least to sit in his open air cantina and soak up some of the energy and generosity that I expected to find, would be a unique experience.
I wasn’t disappointed. Whilst there were quite a few pilgrims coming through, David busied himself continually with cutting fruit, squeezing juice, and welcoming every pilgrim that stopped.
As each pilgrim departed, they all got a hug from David and his wishes were not Buen Camino, but “Have a good life.”
I was lucky to able to stop and chat with him for a while, and catch him for a short chat on video.
David Vidal
And indeed, dropping in on David is certainly one of the highlights of my Camino experience so far.
Not sure I’ve ever met anyone with such compassion and love for his fellow humans. If a little bit rubs off on each Pilgrim. ….Indeed his efforts will be worth it.
Afternote: If you want to drop in and see David, make sure you take the right hand path from Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga, that goes up over the hills, not the one straight on along the road.
Dear Rob: So glad to hear you are doing better and you got your Mojo back. I was worried about you and your journey.
I am excited that your stop at David was great! Where is David? How do you get to him?
Tatiana
Hi Tatiana.
It was always coming back LOL. just the natural highs and lows of the Camino journey. ..
David is about 5kms short of Astorga. Not on the direct route next to the road, but the alternate route to the right coming out of Hospital De Orbigo.
Give yourself time to chill a bit at his place.
Where exactly? I’m looking at the map — before or after San Justo?
Another question- how much does your pack weigh?
Before San justo. Maybe 2.5 kms. Make sure you take the right hand route from Hospital De orbigo not the one that follows the N-120.
My planned pack weight was 5.5 kg plus water.
My actual pack weight is probably 4 kg including water as due to injury I am sending a bag forward each day to reduce the weight on my legs/feet.
The pack is ideal. Perfect size. 34 liter.
I have seen lots of 60 liter and 80 liter packs today!
Can’t see why anyone would need more than 40 liter for a spring/summer Camino.
What is name of casa rural in Ambasmestas ?
Casa rural……ambasmestas!
Guess it’s a small place!
he reminds me of my grandma… there is energy in sharing… most of the times food is insufficient on our table but we eat joyfully…
David Vidal is certainly a very special person. I look forward to meeting him again on my next Camino.
I was there too in Oct. meeting David..he was the best man on the road.. Great..I love and respect his life style…….
hi from Jeonju Korea.
few more days…looking forward 2018 folder will be added!
Wishes & prayer to u & ur beloved!
I’ll be on the Camino beginning May 8. Your blog was the first I read when I was contemplating the trip. I read you even before I saw The Way. Your journey inspired my journey so thank you! When will you be walking in 2018. Might we be on the trail around the same time.
We will. We start ‘up the Hill in St Jean on 25th April. But we will be going very slow. So if you are 13 days behind us, you will likely catch us on maybe…..our 30th day or so. Maybe Leon to Astorga 🙂 Or before if we really slow down!
My daughter and I passed there a year ago! He’s still there and still sharing with others. It was a particularly HOT day, and his fresh fruit were a Godsend. Thank you for posting this.
Glad you liked it!