I love to start walking in the dark. However, not for too long, just before the first light appears on the sky, I want to see the landscape around me. Even so, the others have usually been ahead of me when I finally get started in the mornings. As on this day.
View down the valley towards Compludo.
Out of curiosity I leave the route for the little village of Compludo, I had heard of the Herrería de Compludo, which is an old forge apparently still in operation. There was however some uncertainty as to its whereabouts, if it was located in the village or not. After walking for some time down the road, I change my mind and turn back.
Entering the hamlet of Riego de Ambrós.
For reasons unknown, after having returned to the Camino, I suddenly felt sad and strangely lonesome. This might be due to finding myself walking alone, as everyone else now is far ahead of me and the next batch of pilgrims still some distance behind. Or for the fact that I know that this will be the last day together with Torsten, Alessandra and Martina.
The path to Molinaseca.
Which is sad in itself, as the walk down to Molinaseca is wonderful and I do not give it the appreciation that it truly deserves given my state of mind. The Camino follows the country road downwards, but is also making use of nice paths on the way down. I pass through another small and charming village on the way, Riego de Ambrós, similar to El Acebo but with fewer amenities.
Molinaseca.
A nice chapel, Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, lies at the entrance of Molinaseca. Pilgrims crossing over another old roman bridge, Puente Romano de Molinaseca, have you lost count of how many old bridges that you have passed over so far on your Camino Francés?
The albergue in Molinaseca.
My mood has somewhat improved, but after walking into the small town, I need to sit down at a place to scramble my thought together. Thankfully there are some other pilgrims here, and after talking to them and having some refreshments, I feel my mood almost restored. It is a nice town.
Positively surprised to see that some of the bunk beds in the albergue here is actually outside and not inside in the dormitory (still possible to sleep inside of course). They are under cover of the large awning and seems perfect for getting to sleep with fresh air available.
Fuente Romana de Campo.
After Molinaseca, it is the other way around. My mood is good, but the walk is less interesting. I should have had better foresight and gotten my mood swing on this section instead.
Old Roman bridge entry into Ponferrada.
I take the 300m detour to the Fuente Romana de Campo, an old fountain in a cistern you have to climb down two stone staircases to reach. It has a vaulted ceiling and is of an uncertain age. Was worth the detour.
A Camino waymarker and the Ponferrada castle.
Another old bridge marks the entry into Ponferrada. At Albergue parroquial San Nicolás de Flüe I meet the others again, fully restoring my mood. It is a nice place for pilgrims, with quite the large garden.
Torre del Reloj (clock tower) in Ponferrada.
Ponferrada has a nice old town, but it is the old castle that belonged to the Knight Templars that is the main attraction. I have dinner together with several other pilgrims served at a table outside in a small street.
Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encina, Ponferrada.
Back to being the last day together with Torsten, Alessandra and Martina. The reason is simple, and is back to what is already told. Tomorrow, I will meet my father here, as he will walk together with me the rest of the way to Santiago de Compostela. I will have to stay behind, while they will continue.
<- El AceboPonferrada ->
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