Day 29 Molinaseca to Cacabelos

13.6 miles. Overcast, a little rain, cool, a nice day for a walk. Leaving Molinaseca, the route drops down, across a small valley and up to the city of Ponferrada. Walking into the city, you pass the very large old Pilgrims hospital, which is now a modern hospital. Turning left, you see the magnificent castle of the Knights Templar built in the 1100's to protect the pilgrims. The order became so wealthly and powerful, the Pope disbanded them in the mid 1300's. Walking through the historic old city, everything is closed up, so I just continued on, passing through one of the old city gates on the way out. Crossing the iron bridge, you descend and cross a flat valley for several hours, full of beautiful, well tended gardens and homes on huge lots. Finally, you pass up and over the freeway and into the Bierzo wine area. Finally spring is here, the first leaves are out on these old vines.

I am in a modern hotel on the main road in Cacabelos, complete with key card and climate control in the room. I think this is the 2nd key card of this trip, quite a luxury vs figuring out which way to turn what is usually a very large and old fashioned key in the lock. AND a full breakfast is included, all for only €36, I am a happy camper.

My late lunch was at a recommended restaurant. At this point, I had only eaten about 400 calories, and walked all those miles, so I was HUNGRY. The Menu del Dia was  Minestrone de Verduras, which was not soup, but a large plate of cooked green beans, carrots, artichokes, and brussel sprouts; then Pollo alla Plancha, which is sautéed chicken breasts with French fries, and chocolate ice cream. of course, accompanied by a full bottle of wine, of which I drink 1 glass. Yum. Ate it all, except the brussel sprouts. Tonight, dinner is from the market, my other favorite: yogurt and fruit.

Tomorrow I will start climbing the steep mountain, and the following day should be in O'Cebreiro, in the final province of Galacia. I am entering the home stretch. Yahoo!