Molinaseca to Cacabelos

The change in the landscape on this side of the pass is quite dramatic and more like our first days of walking than the past two weeks. We're walking between the mountains for a couple days and definitely back in wine county. Neither of us really felt like getting up this morning, but the weather was great and it's hard to feel sluggish covering 15 miles by 1:00.

If you're reading this in preparation for your own Camino we both recommend staying at Cass San Nicolas in Molinaseca. We would have like to spend another day there.

Looking out over the country side while walking down to Ponferrada for breakfast.

The castle across from breakfast. We found a nice bakery for breakfast today. Sadly they didn't serve eggs and our attempt ordering eggs an hour later resulted in sandwiches. Clearly I need to work on my Spanish...

I've always wanted to build a house over a stream like this. I wonder if it was always a house or if it was originally a mill.

Foncebadon to Molinaseca

We crossed our second pass on the Camino this morning. It was a beautiful walk up as the sun rose and we made it to Crus de Ferro (iron cross) just as the sun peaked over the horizon. The down hill was slower than the up and harder on the feet so we and many on the pilgrims we've been walking with decided to make it a shorter day and stop in Molinaseca where they dam the stream in the summer for swimming hole. The water was colder than I expected but it felt awesome after the hike. Tonight we opted for an albergue run by a Brazilian family which has proven to be an good choice. The Brazilian dinner they server was excellent and they were great hosts as well. 

Early dawn on the way up. 

At the cross for sunrise. 

A sundial at the top of the first pass where your shadow tells the time. We were a little early to use it. 

In the saddle of the pass between the high points. 

The swimming hole in Molinaseca. 

Astorga to Foncebadon

Today was the first day of mostly uphill we've done in a week. The climb was less difficult than the guide suggested and it felt good to be going change our pace after a week in the plains. Foncebadon is a quiet little town and I'm sure there are more pilgrims than residents most nights. We spent the afternoon napping and then stayed up to late talking after dinner. 

Our late morning break stop had grapes growing over the tables. 

Back in the hills!