We have a few shorter days under 20 km as we used our last budgeted "rest day" to add a stop instead of staying in one place two nights. We enjoyed breakfast at our lodging and then walked 8 km to Ponferrada to spend a couple hours exploring a Templar castle that's in pretty good condition.
Honestly, I could have spent all day at the castle. The views were great and I had just found some more of the detailed exhibits when it was time to get lunch and get back on the Camino.
The 10 km to our lodging was pleasant but things were a bit warmer than the predicted 85, so we did stop once for a beer and once for an ice cream bar. After checking in we headed for a bar and a few more drinks and tapas to hold us over until dinner.
TravelerTO THE "NAZARENO LAMBRIÓN CHUPACANDILES" Since the 17th century, on the Saturday afternoon before Good Friday, a Nazarene of the Royal Brotherhood of Jesus of Nazareth of Ponferrada, wearing a black tunic and cigarette holder [Google's translation of the plaque], a esparto grass belt around his waist, and holding a bell, walks around the city surrounded by children announcing the proximity of Holy Week. This legendary figure is popularly called the NAZARENO LAMBRIÓN CHUPACANDILES. His name refers to what the boys of the town shouted to him as he passed through the streets of the city, stopping at the wineries where they invited him to try the new wine
TravelerIn 1178, Templars made Ponferrada a main stop on the Camino to protect and serve pilgrims and the road. In the 13th century they built the massive castle that defines the iconic image of Templar Ponferrada. Hidden inside the castle is the ability to draw water from the Sil river without leaving the keep.
Traveler
TO THE "NAZARENO LAMBRIÓN CHUPACANDILES" Since the 17th century, on the Saturday afternoon before Good Friday, a Nazarene of the Royal Brotherhood of Jesus of Nazareth of Ponferrada, wearing a black tunic and cigarette holder [Google's translation of the plaque], a esparto grass belt around his waist, and holding a bell, walks around the city surrounded by children announcing the proximity of Holy Week. This legendary figure is popularly called the NAZARENO LAMBRIÓN CHUPACANDILES. His name refers to what the boys of the town shouted to him as he passed through the streets of the city, stopping at the wineries where they invited him to try the new wine
Traveler
In 1178, Templars made Ponferrada a main stop on the Camino to protect and serve pilgrims and the road. In the 13th century they built the massive castle that defines the iconic image of Templar Ponferrada. Hidden inside the castle is the ability to draw water from the Sil river without leaving the keep.
Traveler
Those mountains are next in a few days.