We took it easier yesterday – well that was the plan. We strolled out of Ponferrade back in the direction of the mountains.
This is very easy from Ponferrade as north, west, south, east – any direction you go its mountains.
We headed west like the Pilgrims of old and were greeted by a beautiful low cloud rising from the valley, but not enough to reach the peaks. A bit like Si’s duvet after the lentils or beans.
The mountains looked fantastic towering over the cloud – until we realised that climb was only a day away.
What goes up must come down or in our case + what goes down must go back up again. Its only 750m so not too high.
It was then that I saw a plaque. there was a lot of writing on it – obviously been rehashed a few times. Stunning views though.
When we arrived in our chosen easy day stopping shop – it was to paraphrase someone “too full at the inn” so we had to go on to Tradebelo some 10 km down the road. We were wiped out by 7pm when we arrived and easy day it had not been. Leg muscles were very sore, and with fever high in the camp – we ate and slept, missing most of the glorious football.
Today we feel tip top – 10 hours rest, hooray!
500 miles walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela 
Simon, Can I comment on the postcard we got from you today? Thanks. Is it possible for you to buy a new pair of boots. Your could wear them for alternative half days with your existing boots (the ones you have put sponges in) until you have worn them in. love mum
15 years on and we’re back in ponferrade and not a sponge in site! He’s learning Alison!
All the best
Al
3,000 Hits?!!!! Cliff Richard never got that much fan mail in his pomp!! you’ve missed some immense Scottish action in Europe this week…I reckon we’re just about to get over the Dalglish,Souness era….whoo hoo!! time for some new heroes methinks. Talking of heroes, I’ll be back in the office tomorrow and will launch the ‘Way of the Camino’ raffle to guess when our Illustrious heroes will complete the walk. 75% of takings go to the charity and 25% to the winner. Keep going lads, you’re doing great. A bowl of pistachios is now £2.50 in the TSB so bring back some patatas and they lovely black pudding tapas. Good luck for the final stretch. Winners never quit, Quitters never win.
simon i loved your mums solution to the boot problem!
Ha ha! Great reminders