El Acebo 7am
Just about to hit the trail. The bar hasn't opened yet so breakfast will have to wait till the next town. I got a top bunk again last night and once again it was too hot to sleep. Yesterday afternoon I kept bumping into people I had met on the camino in the village. I went out at 4pm to buy chocolate. Three hours and 4 drinks later I got back to the albergue just in time for dinner with a liquid bar of chocolate. Very windy this morning but I am hoping that will change once down off the mountain and into the valley.
Molinaseca 9:15am 218.2km to Santiago.
The descent from El Acebo was very hard work. Uneven natural rock much of the way on a descent of 400m in about 8 km. When I went to leave the albergue at El Acebo the way out through the restaurant which we had to use yesterday was locked and the other exit door which had been locked was the way out. I doubt the access arrangements would meet NZ regulations with doors marked Salada (exit) locked.There are 8 or 9 days more walking from here to Santiago which means I will get there next weekend. That could put me in an accommodation squeeze towards the end as many people plan to end on Saturday then go to the Sunday mass before heading home.
My feet feel good blister wise but my feet are generally a bit sore after walking more than 500km.
Basilica de la Encina, Ponferrada 11:45am.
I have been here about 20 minutes. They were saying the rosary after mass when I arrived. I drifted off to sleep listening to it and it was a rather beautiful way to wake up. This is the last city on the Camino until Santiago. Much of the rest is through small towns and villages.
Fuentes Neuvas 1:30pm
8.5 km still to go today so I have stopped for lunch rather than waiting till I arrive to eat. I think the big rush must be ahead of me as I have only passed 1 pilgrim on the road and 4 were here when I arrived. What is described in the guide as a quiet country road for the last 2.5km has had a steady stream of traffic on it - much more than the road ovrr the Montes de Leon that we were constantly warned to be careful crossing. My right shoulder blade is hurting from the pack today. So glad the end is now close.
Cacabelos 11pm
Had a great night out with various people. Started out going to a pub with Roger and Alex who is sharing my room. Got joined by Ian, Charles and Ann-Claire then Ian's mate from France Olivier. Roger is still looking for a good time and went and got a Spanish speaking female friend snd went to the bsrs. I think he has just gone to bed but the hospitalero told him the gate is locked by security guards at midnight and if he isn't back then he is out till 7am. Charles and Ann-Claire went to mass. Ian Olivier and I went to a bar owned by a guy from London (20 years ago) and had dinner and a bottle of rose. I kept asking Ian how it was he is aiming to be in Santiago on Saturday and I am aiming for Sunday and we keep ending up in the same towns. Seems I can't do arithmetic and if I don't slow down I will be in Santiago on Saturday.
Just about to hit the trail. The bar hasn't opened yet so breakfast will have to wait till the next town. I got a top bunk again last night and once again it was too hot to sleep. Yesterday afternoon I kept bumping into people I had met on the camino in the village. I went out at 4pm to buy chocolate. Three hours and 4 drinks later I got back to the albergue just in time for dinner with a liquid bar of chocolate. Very windy this morning but I am hoping that will change once down off the mountain and into the valley.
Molinaseca 9:15am 218.2km to Santiago.
The descent from El Acebo was very hard work. Uneven natural rock much of the way on a descent of 400m in about 8 km. When I went to leave the albergue at El Acebo the way out through the restaurant which we had to use yesterday was locked and the other exit door which had been locked was the way out. I doubt the access arrangements would meet NZ regulations with doors marked Salada (exit) locked.There are 8 or 9 days more walking from here to Santiago which means I will get there next weekend. That could put me in an accommodation squeeze towards the end as many people plan to end on Saturday then go to the Sunday mass before heading home.
My feet feel good blister wise but my feet are generally a bit sore after walking more than 500km.
Basilica de la Encina, Ponferrada 11:45am.
I have been here about 20 minutes. They were saying the rosary after mass when I arrived. I drifted off to sleep listening to it and it was a rather beautiful way to wake up. This is the last city on the Camino until Santiago. Much of the rest is through small towns and villages.
Fuentes Neuvas 1:30pm
8.5 km still to go today so I have stopped for lunch rather than waiting till I arrive to eat. I think the big rush must be ahead of me as I have only passed 1 pilgrim on the road and 4 were here when I arrived. What is described in the guide as a quiet country road for the last 2.5km has had a steady stream of traffic on it - much more than the road ovrr the Montes de Leon that we were constantly warned to be careful crossing. My right shoulder blade is hurting from the pack today. So glad the end is now close.
Cacabelos 11pm
Had a great night out with various people. Started out going to a pub with Roger and Alex who is sharing my room. Got joined by Ian, Charles and Ann-Claire then Ian's mate from France Olivier. Roger is still looking for a good time and went and got a Spanish speaking female friend snd went to the bsrs. I think he has just gone to bed but the hospitalero told him the gate is locked by security guards at midnight and if he isn't back then he is out till 7am. Charles and Ann-Claire went to mass. Ian Olivier and I went to a bar owned by a guy from London (20 years ago) and had dinner and a bottle of rose. I kept asking Ian how it was he is aiming to be in Santiago on Saturday and I am aiming for Sunday and we keep ending up in the same towns. Seems I can't do arithmetic and if I don't slow down I will be in Santiago on Saturday.
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