I left before the sun came up this morning, as I had decided to walk a really long day today, and it is getting warm here, so getting the walk done as early as possible is the best thing.
Walking out of Acebo was great, but then the path changed to a treacherous long track. It was very hard paying attention to each step going down, and I tripped a few times. I'm always afraid of falling with my pack on. It weighs probably about 16 pounds, and I think I would go down like a brick. My 2 walking sticks, again saved me, as they have many, many times. I love those things, and they are one of my most prize possessions. I also do not have travel insurance. I decided against it, so I am super cautious. And one fall could end my camino...
This is what the track changed to. Not nice.
It then got a bit better.
Still, though, the mountains were very pretty. I passed through a medium sized town named molinaseca, and had cafe con leche, And my favorite pastry, pan chocolate. Yum. I decided at this point to call a hotel and make reservations for tonight. I needed space and a quiet room, for a change.
I passed trough the town of ponferrada, all concrete, nice town.
There is a huge knights Templar castle or church there. There were tours to be had, but I didn't go. If I return as a tourist to Spain I would like to spend a day here.
I then pushed on to the town of Cacabelos, I've got my nice room, and I'm sure I'll stroll out, but I'm all comfy and cozy here, and not ready to go out.
I've decided to try again to be more proactive on the places I am staying. I'm getting a bit tired of the albuergues, although the one yesterday was nice, and I slept well in my room of 20 people. When you stay in an albuergue, you share the shower with all of those people. i try to shower as soon as i get there. i have not had a problem getting hot water, although i hear that this problem exists. My hotel room for today was 30 euros. Probably about 40 dollars, and an albuergue is only about 5 euros for a night. Much more, although as I have said, the quiet is worth it. Staying in an albuergue is good, as you get to interact with so many people. Last night, I spent the evening with 3 women from Holland. Many people of Europe speak English, it's us from the U.S. that only speak one language. I also had a really nice chat with a young man named Chris from the U. K.
Still, privacy and a quiet room to sleep in is wonderful.
Today I again wore my tennis shoes with the air webbing. They are not as supportive as my boots, although they keep my feet dry, and that is very valuable. Downside is that I am carrying my boots.
The weather has really warmed up, so going to get rid of a couple of shirts. I have 3 t shirts and 2 long sleeved ones. Don't think I need the long sleeved ones any more. Gotta dump weight before this next mountain.
I am really having a wonderful time, and learning so much about how to take care of myself. I have become quite a confidant traveler, my Spanish has improved tremendously, and I am proud of myself. It doesn't hurt that I look like a Spaniard. People are very willing to help. Especially when you have a backpack on your back.
That's all for today, have a good week everyone!
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