PERFECT DAYS FOR WALKING

Coming into Sarria 120 Kilometers to Santiago

The last week of walking has been perfect.  We might have rain tomorrow, but I have planned a short day on the road .  Hope to do some sightseeing in Sarria. 

A little Camino story... My mother always told me and Sister Fanchon told us as she shook her finger at us during Freshman Orientation ...NEVER ACCEPT RIDES FROM STRANGERS!

When I got to Ponferrada I lost my bearings in the Plaza Major.  I walked for some time in the wrong direction.  I finally saw a gentleman walking toward me and asked him for directions.  He knew where I wanted to go.  He started to give me directions and then decided that it was too difficult to explain to me.  He said come on I´ll take you in my car.  I hesitated and then went with him to his car.  He very quickly drove me to my location and carried my backpack inside.  All along this route the pilgrims are treated as special.  The people of Spain are wonderful and welcoming.

Looking down on the highway from a high pass on the Camino

Today's hill climb

Canal /aquaduct system developed by the Romans

I can´t believe that I have been sleeping in a bunk bed almost every night. I can´t believe I can repack my bag every morning in the dark.  I can´t believe I am eating more bread than I have ever had  and is it ever good.  It is a Buen Camino

Ponferrada is most famous for the Knights Templar.  There original fortification dominates the entrance to the City.  However it was "remodeled", re-designed and just built anew on the same site at later times in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.  It reaffirms the old mantra Location,Location, Location.  See for yourself