Foncebadon - Ponferrada (pop 62,000) 27.5 km October 21

After an ok sleep with our new friends we have a quick breakfast and head out for the 2 km walk to the Cruz de Ferro to watch the sun rise.  At 1505 meters the simple iron cross marks the summit of the camino.

We waited our turn to add our stones carried from home, as a token of love and blessing that witnesses to our collective journeying

We placed stones for our grandchildren that they prepared at home

And for our children

And my Ray rock , one for my Aunty and one for my dear Lyla, and other dear family and friends.

It is very emotional and humbling 

We have a look at the human sundial, the only part missing is the sun!

It is windy and wet, the rain soon stops.  Today was a very hard walk, some up and a lot of down

At one point we are above the clouds

We have our first break at Acebo, a mountian village and see a camino casualty 

A marker along the way

An action shot

The downhill is at times treacherous 

This photo was taken about 10 seconds before Sid fell backwards, saved by his backpack somewhat and landed on his left arm, the rocks were slippery.  He brushed it off and continued on...he's tough too.

We find walnuts

And I am easily and continually distracted by the plentiful blackberrys along the way

We make our way to Ponferrada ( carport shaded by grapevines)

and take the scenic route to the 12th century Templar castle.  

It starts to rain so we duck into his place and end up taking a room here for 48 euros ( special for pilgrims!). I was so tired it didn't really matter!

Our room is the top one on the left- with the socks hanging out to dry !  This place does have a lot of character , even if the shower is less than stellar

We do a quick walk to the local mercado and purchase supplies for a dine in!

Today might have been our toughest walk so far