AC Ponferrada

... to figure out the menus in spanish. We never seem to get exactly what we thought we ordered however we are not going hungry. everyone is well and safe but we do have some issues with muscle pain and the random blister no toenail lost however so far. No place yet to upload pics. but when available will do. Our journey today <monday the 14th started at 7 a.m. in the dark ...

... jellys. We love the scenry. WE cannot upload any pictures yet, but perhaps in the larger towns we will find this capability. The towns are pretty ancient... the scenerio is wonderful and the people are all really friendly. Back to basics with handwashing clothes, and feeling your tummy growl from hunger. We love you all and miss you and are wishing that you all could be here enjoying the ´rural´beauty and splendor.

This is the plan:

Let's rock & roll....

... cake. . . only asking for a small donation. It was a very welcome respite in the heat. Even had benches and a large shade tree to sit a spell.

Have not been drinking enough water; we have had to make a conscious effort after the day´s walk to hydrate. It definitely makes a difference the next day and in the amount of energy we have.

Day 23 - Sunday, July 12 Astorga - Foncebadon 26.2 km (16.5)

The walk ...

Galicia is the region of Spain that we have now entered. This is the Celtic heartland of the country and you can see some similarities (most noticeably in the music) between Galicia and Scotland or Ireland. Today we went up about 700 meters to a small Galician village (so small that the google map is not recognizing it) called O´Cebreiro. There are probably a dozen buildings in the ...

To reach here, I have crossed a mountain range, which took 3 days - taking it very quietly! You will see it still has the signs of the snow storm of a few weeks ago, as well as being rather rough in places. This town of Ponferrada was one of the main headquarters of the Crusaders, and has a magnificent castle to prove it. The Order of St James was a separate group, and in fact my reading says that the members of the Order ...

... they offered me food and water, and after a strenuous walk I was more than glad to accept it. They're on a budget and are cooking pasta almost every day. It is incredible how long you can walk on pasta without growing tired of it, so they tell me.

Today, I meet them again in the first village on the road, and we walk together for most part of today’s stage. I learn a lot about ...

... afternoon to comemorate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the town, as well as, the coronation of the Virgen of Encina. Sue and Dick just about run from the hostal to find the townspeople gathering for the parade! People dress up in this part of the Spain and today is not exception. There are townspeople (mostly older), clergy from all over Spain ...

Whew! It seems like ages since I last saw a computer. That was WAY back in Mazarife. From there I walked 30km to Astorga, into the teeth of a howling gale. Actually, it was that morning that I was able to confirm my earlier suspicions...I have a magic pack cover! No, really! Whenever it looks like it's about to rain I have to cover my pack because although it's super light its not very waterproof. This was ...

... bottle opener in Spain. Unless you are walking or taking the train to start the trip, you will have to put your knife in your checked luggage, which you shouldn't have anyway if you have a small bag. Instead, buy a combination bottle opener/knife (we found ours for 1 euro) once you get there and don't wrestle with the admittedly junky bottle opener on your pocketknife. Really.