April 19, 2017
My goodness what a tough but rewarding day.
I started the day around 7:15 as usual. I always try to get on the road/trail by 7 but tends to always be 7:15, it is what it is. Walked an easy 5ish km to get breakfast and it was a lovely breakfast at that. The poor bartender/waiter was so stressed out because all 20 or so pilgrims decided to make a stop there. He was so kind though. Had us sign his wall! Of course I forgot to take a picture of it though 😞
We hiked another 10 km or so and then stopped for lunch. I am loving the routine of hiking 1 hour to breakfast, then 2 hours for lunch, then 2 more hours to town. It’s very doable.
I got a little overly confident after a double espresso and decided I would nearly RUN to town. I zoomed down the road at about 6.7 km/hour. With a damn cold.
When I arrived to town I was greet by Maartje. I was so relieved to see a familiar face after leaving my Camino friends 6+km behind me.
She greeted my with a big hug and saw how much pain I was in so she told me about this church next to me. Apparently if you stand under the arch, it will heal you. Who knows if it really works, but I did it! And then she “delivered” me to my albergue after an almost 15 minute walk zig zagging through this convoluted town. She had her map and mine in her hands directing me where to go. I needed that so much.
That is another lesson from the Camino, the cosmos or God will deliver you help when you need it. I could have easily told her I didn’t need help, but thankfully my body was so beat down I couldn’t resist it.
When I arrived at the albergue I was so happy, not to mention IMPRESSED. This town is so incredibly nice. The albergue is way nicer than any home I’ve ever lived. There are chandeliers and FRESH SHEETS! Ah the happiness that fresh sheets bring 😍🙏🏼
I took the rest of the day easy, well as easy as I could in such a beautiful city. I had to explore a little bit.
Upon leaving the albergue to go wander, the owner noticed I was coughing so she ran inside to get a spray. It was some kind of minty oil that you sniff to open up your sinuses. The daughter, assuming that the mother owns the albergue, then offered to make me a tea later before bed. I felt so loved! 💜
After a second, steaming hot shower, I am praying I wake up with some relief. Please pray for these tired, bruised (okay it feels like they are!) lungs!
Cheers!
When I walked out of Ponferrada, couldn’t help but take a photo of the damn mcdonalds sign 😂
Such a sweet reminder with all the blisters
Crazy to see the vineyards with leaves on them, when I started the Camino they were bare bones!
Apparently a controlled fire got out of control due to unpredictable winds, needless to say my lungs didn’t appreciate it haha
A very interesting mural…
Sick as can be but had to explore this beautiful city. Part of me wishes it wasn’t so beautiful so I could just lay in bed all day, haha!
The most beautiful albergue I’ve stayed in, easily!
The best tea, simply lemon juice, warm water and honey. It was delicious 👌🏼
El Camino Chronicles 
Awww, he remembered! 😊 I sure hope it offered you some relief, even though it is pretty yummy! Love you Sweetie!
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Awe I love you too!!
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