Day 26: Foncebadón to Ponferrada (25.7km/16miles)

April 18, 2017

The day started out stressful, but it was all in my head. I didn’t need to stress but I woke up in a rush because I wanted to see the sunrise at the top of the hill, 2km away. I left at 7am with my pack in my hand, walking as I fastened it. I realized after a couple steps I didn’t even have my pants tied, haha! Definitely lost weight in the hips but thankfully my pack acts as a belt as well 😉

Once I got to the top I was relieved I arrived before the sunrise, but annoyed because YOU COULDNT SEE THE SUNRISE OVER THE TREES! Haha, but there was a beautiful little park with a view of the sun rising over another hill.

I laid down my rock, said a prayer for all my burdens. I also said another prayer for my parents and Rita (their dog who was struck by a car the other day.) I cried like a baby. When I walked over to the park area, I saw a dog. Of course this made me cry even more. The more I cried, the closer to dog came. This is the second time I felt like I met a dog that felt like an angel, the first was the 1st day hiking to Roncevalles. He stayed with me as I wept not only for Rita but for all the burdens I have carried.

It was a marvelous way to start the day- crying my eyes out, ha!

I took the rest of the day very easy. Well I tried to atleast. We had a steep decent and at times I couldn’t control how fast I was going because it was so steep! Needless to say my knees are screaming at me.

By the last 4km or so I was a zombie. Again so thankful my little brother, michel, was there. I have a horrible cough, to the point the muscles around my lungs/ribs hurt. But he kept me going, reminding me we were so close.

We arrived at our albergue. It is so cute! It is an old home converted into an albergue. And it has decent wifi, so that’s a huge plus! Haha! Oh, how the wifi struggle is REAL.

Once we got settled, I decided to take a nap after exploring the city. It was much needed. After I woke up I got a Kabob. It is not like the kabobs in america, much better indeed!

Tomorrow I pray my chest is looser and my head clearer.

Cheers!