Ponferrada

A couple of days ago, on June 15, we arrived in Ponferrada, the last large city before we reach Santiago. It had been a relatively strenuous day of walking down from the highest point of the Camino (1515 metres) where we left the stones that we brought from home at the base of the Iron Cross, as per the Pilgrim tradition.

In Ponferrada we met up with Flor and David, who were introduced to us through ¨Camino connections¨ from home. They kindly invited us to their home for supper and to stay the night. Their wonderful hospitality included a sampling of local appetizers and Galician food. They gave us a brief tour of the old town, including the Templar Fortress and the Basilica. We came back for a lovely fish dinner - sea bass on potatoes and onions - with a delicious local red wine.

The next day Flor and David actually walked the entire day´s route with us to Cacabelos. It was a beautiful walk with cherry trees, orchards, grape vines, small villages, always with the lovely mountains in the background. Flor is from Galicia, the ¨province¨ that includes Santiago and which we will get to tomorrow (June 18). Some say that Galicia is the most beautiful part of the Camino. Flor gave us some insights into the food, culture and people of Galicia - we are in for a treat!

It was wonderful to meet Flor and David and to have their company both in the evening and the next day. Their enthusiasm and hospitality were so generous and very much appreciated.

We are currently in the small town of Trabadelo, between Villafranca and O´Cebreiro, with about 180 km to go. The weather has been fabulous - some sun and cloud and highs of 20-21 degrees. Our walk today took us up a steep hill out of Villafranca, up above tree line with beautiful views both in front and behind us; we continue to enjoy the walking and the adventure.