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Ponferrada to Las Herrerias - Vines & Shaded Streams

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Vineyards open to the sun and shaded stream side pathways are images from the path from Ponferrada to Las Herrerias via Villafranca del Bierzo.  Rich green vegetation springs from magically fertile red brown soils.  This country side has been providing sustenance for millennia, like the Rio Sil flowing through Ponferrada. The morning riverside walk out of Ponferrada was calm and cool and comfortable. Breakfast at a cafe on the edge of town  With a courtyard and plenty of room  The type of bar that has a relaxed atmosphere and the right lifestyle. Hmmm maybe in the next life. In a region famous for its wines! I stopped at a regional wine cellar for a tasting . . . Or two or . . .  After checking out the back It was out among the vines in the midday sun. By mid afternoon Villafranca del Bierzo came into view Set in a valley- an historic gateway close to the border between Castile y Leon and Galicia. Like other towns on the Camino Frances, there is a noticeable div...
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Molinaseca to Ponferrada - Templar Times

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‘Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.’ During the walk this morning from Molinaseca to Ponferrada, I wondered about the medieval times of Templar knights. Did some have a Pythonesque sense of humour, as they stared at the surrounding landscape from behind castle walls? Or were they constantly seeking holiness through military service and religious devotion - and shrewd business practices. Something to ponder - as Sancho and I looked at the walls before us! This fellow was no help at all - he only comes to life around Semana Santa (Holy Week)  Ponferrada is steeped in Roman and medieval history - the place of the iron bridge.  Diagonally across from this reconstruction on the site of the original is the Plaza de John Lennon. Almost as featureless as the cover of The White Album. Imagine that! I am pleased to take some time to wander and wonder.
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Astorga to Molinaseca - Over the hills and faraway

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A well-trodden rocky road, ascents and descents, from a cool sunny morning yesterday in Astorga, to dinner this evening by a Roman bridge in Molinaseca. It is good to be here - after two days walking the Camino Frances, and feeling the community connection and spirit again. Vespers last night in Rabanal del Camino . . .  Yesterday morning, I farewelled the albergue kitchen in Astorga - without breakfast (my fault 🙄),  Stepped outside,  and a little further up the street, found some guidance from the writing on the wall.  and the local bishop - who was a little cagey,  I was on the way once more! Before long - I had company 👍 and soon after, began to wonder ‘what's behind the green door(s)’ 🎵 More importantly- I thought about breakfast. Fortunately, a hippy bar was around the corner. A brunch of orange juice, tortilla and coffee accompanied by peculiar vibe, and I was away.  The albergue of Our Lady El Pila was home  for the night, run by Isabella - ...
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