We hit the high point

But it’s not all downhill from here…

Yesterday was a climbing day, heading up and almost over the mountain into the basin I’ll be walking through tomorrow. It was a tough climb, but the days of walking have made a difference in how it felt. Finished the day and didn’t want to die like I did up north. It was a lovely walk and really nice views. Ended the day with an amazing dinner with friends and a crowded night in the hostel, but sometimes that’s how it goes.

Today, we reached the high point of the Camino, marked by an iron cross. Tradition holds you bring a stone or some memento from home to leave at the base along with your sins and burdens. Since I hadn’t planned on doing this part of the Camino I didn’t bring a stone so I picked one up and left it along with any burdens and sins I brought with me, which, let’s be honest aren’t many because I’m amazing… 😂😂😂

This picture looks like a horror movie poster. If you’re looking at it on your phone you maybe can’t see it, but there’s a young woman kneeling by the cross and then my giant shadow looming towards her. Legit feels like scary movie stuff…

Then a long descent on some very rocky terrain, which tested the ankles, but again, managed it well. The Brazos walking stick my folks gave me a few years ago has come in very handy, for sure.

https://www.brazos-walking-sticks.com/

Made it down the hill and spent a relaxing couple of hours in Molinaseca lounging by an old bridge and river with a group of friends that are more or less on the same schedule as I am, watching the locals hang out. It’s a very different pace of life here in Spain, I think the whole Siesta concept is worth pursuing, although it does make for a pain in the ass when you want to grocery shop.

Then a final slog into the destination city where Lily found an excellent hostel with the best meal I’ve had so far. Simple, homemade food and so delicious!! Spectacular way to end the day. Now, posting this, reading, and maybe I’ll make it until 9:00 pm, but I won’t hold my breath. Anyway, here’s pics.

Sunrise over the mountains

A look into the basin I’ll be in the next day or two

A church in Molinaseca, another change in architecture away from the tall parapet bell towers

It’s a hard life but somebody has to live it…

Molly, Jen, and Lily’s legs, and the afternoon hangout session from yesterday. There are guys around as well, it’s not just me and a bunch of women. 3 Americans, 1 Dane, 1 Colombian,

Walking in to Ponferadda, today’s destination

I’m so grateful for this experience, just so fortunate to have the opportunity to do this…