Our Camino (Nancy, Ron, Rémi, and Monique)

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Saturday, April 18- partly cloudy. I'm leaving Astorga and headed to Ponferrada by bus. The other three are walking to Foncebadòn. It will be a25 km hike on a good climb- starting at 900 m to about 1400 m. Tomorrow they will again hit the road for Ponferrada to meet up with me. It will bring down the mountain going from 1500 m to about 550m. The downhill is very tough also as it really affects the knees. The gang is thinking of sending their bags forward. I need to find another place to stay tomorrow as you can only stay one night at this Albergue plus it doesn't have Wifi and that is how we communicate. I'm staying in the old part of town where there is a castle, churches, and many medieval buildings.

I took these pictures from the bus. We also went up and around the mountains. The bus driver figured it was an easy ride as he never really seemed to slow down. It was scary enough going through windy and steep roads.

Two pictures of the albergue. Lots of outdoor sitting room and a church in the background.

Ponferrada is surrounded by mountains. Quite nice scenery. Weather changes every few minutes because of clouds rolling in and out from the tops of the mountains.

Front of the castle.

Side of the castle.

In old part of town.

Band playing and drinking. They were a drinking group, quite large. They were everywhere drinking and playing.

I bought groceries for supper (can of sardines in salsa, whole grain bread, goat cheese, orange. Good variety. Took a walk to find a private albergue for tomorrow. I booked a room for the four of us. Just kyped with Ron. They are in Foncebadòn. Guess the hostel is having blackouts and then Monique's phone died. I will see them tomorrow.
I am presently having gelato. I have to find a place with Wifi, and I thought that this would be better than a bar, and it was.