Ponferrada, 2:40pm

Ah....it feels good to be here.  We just signed into the albergue in Ponferrada, a town Stephen has been looking forward to for a while.  This is the town that has a huge castle that is said to be from the Knights Templar time.  We were sad to learn however that it is closed on Mondays so we won´t get to go inside but apparently it is just as enjoyable seeing it on the outside.  I think I heard there´s even a mote.  That would be pretty cool!

I am also sad to say we didn´t get to meet Tomas today.  (Sorry girls, looks like you´ll have to find your own knights!) He was in town this morning and his assistants were holding down the fort when we got there but it was a great little spot.  Many flags and colours and souvenirs for sale.  We stopped for a bit and had tea and fruit and pet the two black Templar kitties running around.  They were so cute I had a hard time leaving them. 

It was quite misty all morning too as we climbed to highest point on the camino.  It was funny because it didn´t feel so high on the way up`, but you see it and definitely feel it, on the way down.  The views and terrain were beautiful.  Many of the mountains were covered in yellow and violet wildflowers and once the sun came out, we could see far stretches of land and towns below us.   It was also a nice change from the maseta that we experienced so much of last week.  I have been finding that when the terrain is so varied, the mind is more engaged.  By the time we got to the bottom our feet were just screaming, and the last 5km were a bit challenging for me today.   I was so relieved to see the albergue. 

It´s funny too... I realized that yesterday was actually the beginning of week 4!  Talk about losing track of time!  Man....I lost a whole week somewhere.  I think that´s actually a good thing :)  I guess it means time is flying but I am being present to the moment I am in.  That was one of my goals for this journey.  Be more present.  And just be.

Well, I am off to do my daily stretches with Stephen.  He´s waiting outside for me on the lawn, soaking up the sun.   Ahhh....the good life.

Love to you all,

Andrea & Stephen