Day 17: Ponferrada

Mileage

We walked 16.7 miles from Foncebadón to Ponferrada

Highlights

Today was one of my favorite hikes to date. We were up in the mountains almost all day. The mountain breeze was refreshing and the views were stunning. For those of you who aren't familiar with el Camino, it's extremely flat. These last few days have been a gift for us mountain-lovers!

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When we arrived to Ponferrada, we checked into Albergue Guiana. Maybe our standards have lowered, but the place felt like the Ritz! The building was new, the rooms were clean, the wifi was good- what's not to love? We shared a bunk room with five other pilgrims, one of whom refused to shower until the next morning (my mom was not happy about that). Mom and I did laundry (yay!) and even bought a new guide book to replace the one we left in Logroño. 

We asked our hostel to recommend places to eat and they did not disappoint. For lunch, they sent us to this incredible hole-in-the-wall and enjoyed fantastic tapas. We shared a meat and cheese plate and the most delicious spread of grilled vegetables. 

We toured the Castle of the Knights Templar. I felt like I was in a fairy tale castle that little kids build Playmobil replicas of. 

Dinner was a game-changer. I was in a horrible mood after stubbing my toe (I stubbed it really hard, okay?!) but it was nothing a glass of red wine couldn't fix. Mom and I shared a fresh caprese salad and a vegetable risotto. We couldn't resist yet another fresh loaf of bread so, yes, we ate three loaves of bread each today. Totally worth it. 

Nothing beats a locally sourced meat and cheese plate to compliment freshly baked bread and well-deserved beers!

Nothing beats a locally sourced meat and cheese plate to compliment freshly baked bread and well-deserved beers!

We felt spoiled eating at a fancy restaurant. Even still, the red wine was cheaper than the bottled water. 

We felt spoiled eating at a fancy restaurant. Even still, the red wine was cheaper than the bottled water. 

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Bummers

I should probably omit this next story from the blog since it's fairly irrelevant, but I won't. Across the street from the hostel, there was a cat stuck in the hood of someone's car. The poor thing meowed all night. It was horrible. Everyone heard it, but the staff at the hostel didn't seem to care. My mom even checked to see if the car was unlocked so she could pop the hood. The girl sleeping in the bunk next to me actually cried over the whole ordeal.

A Trace of Grace

Notes from a trekking Mama

Sharing meals with Hannah has been perfect. We love the same foods, we crave the same sweet and savories, and we are almost always up for eating. Lately, we have had the best grilled vegetables and salads. Although today had its ups and downs, our day ended with a perfect Italian dinner and we went to bed happy.

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Hannah ChmuraComment