Day 23: Ponferrada to Trabadelo

I’ll be honest. I’m having a rough couple of days. It rained off and on again today, and I walked 21 miles without eating enough. I’m missing Brad and home. But I remind myself that the experience wouldn’t be transformative if it didn’t test me.

Walked around the Templar Castle on my way out of Ponferrada this morning. Commissioned in the 12th century to protect pilgrims walking the Camino, the fortress is massive.

We did get some breaks from the rain today, thankfully. And the welcome sun highlighted the beauty of the area. Mountains all around, vineyards everywhere.

More random art

And inspiring rocks

After a long day of walking, I was so happy to see my albergue! The Albergue Parroquial is rustic, but the hosts welcomed me with hugs, I had a hot shower, and I’m in a corner bottom bunk.

Trabadelo is a quiet village along the river.

Dinner at the local gas station to round out the day. The Spanish do love their fries! And I think I’ve found my fav nonalcoholic beer.