Today was mostly a descend, at times very steep and luckily it was dry, on a rainy day it could have been very dangerous. The 18Km was through a beautiful set of very old villages including Molinaseca, known for their balconies. Many are renovating some of the antique properties while maintaining their historical style. From there a urban walk into Ponferrada, a beautiful city with a castle and an old town full of wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. This is now the Berzio wine region, so vineyards showing up again in the landscape.

The next two days will be long in distance but less dramatic climbs and declines. Monday on the other hand will be the steepest climb into O’Ceiberio, my first entry into Galicia…. What I have been most looking for…. It has its own culture, cuisine, music (bagpipes, yes Gallic), more on that then.

My foot care is working and managing much better. Lots of people had to stop their walks due to injury (some serious) and feet challenges. The drug stores make a killing selling feet care products.

Spain is in a heat wave, even here in the mountains today reached over 30C. Will leave earlier tomorrow to hopefully walk in cooler weather as much as possible. I am so glad I brought electrolyte tablets.

Last two days I walked alone the whole time. I am finding it my preferred way although at times I meet up with people from before and usually walk alongside for a bit. Everyone is very respectful that each has their comfort speed, so quickly you realize if you are ok walking together for a bit. There are some people who became “a Camino family” very early on and I see some of them always together walking and having meals. Many are like me, Aline as default. Interesting dynamics.