Ponferrada
We woke up at 7:30am at our Acebo chalet type room….very toasty warm. I took one look outside and saw the snow on the mountains and wanted to just go back to bed and spend the day here and skip the walking for today. Angie didn’t buy it!
We got dressed and went into the kitchen. Poured a cup of hot coffee, took one sip….then threw it out. Terrible. We then went to the bar next door and had some REAL coffee and some toast and then we were on the trail at 9am. Here are some departing shots of Acebo.
I don’t know where I got the idea that today’s descent was going to be easy….same problem: Very steep and rocky. Angie took it slowly and handled it Like a pro. What prepared her for this?…She’s an artist for goodness sakes.
Now for some of God’s wonders we witnessed during our 11 mile walk to Ponferrada.
By the way, as a personal note, Ponferrada has an interesting city anthem. It’s sung to the tune of Desperato by the Eagles.. try it….it’s catchy:
Pon—fer—rata…..Why don’t you come to your senses….
You have been out ridin’ fences for so long now.
Wow I can just hear you all singing this in 5 part harmony…fantastic!
On a serious note, we will be doing 14 miles tomorrow to the pueblo of Villafranca Del Bierzo. We will also take a rest day there. That will be our last rest day and then the march continues onto Santiago de Compostella!
Thank you all so much for your comments and emails…They keep our hearts warm at night when we read them.
Mike
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
Wow! I can’t believe you are about to complete your walk! Fantastic! So proud of you!
May 17, 2013 at 6:54 pm
You guys are The Bomb! I just love to read your blogs and see the photos. I’m dying of heat in Palm Desert and you’re dealing with the ‘frozen tundra’. What a world!
Keep on truckin’…
Love,
Queenie
May 17, 2013 at 6:58 pm
This journey is just astounding!! Take it safe.
May 17, 2013 at 7:17 pm
hi mike and Angie, I am back from Italy and try to catch up with you guys. Well looks like you have covered a lot since I left ,Wow!!!! Incredible, you are amazing!!!! Almost at the end, I am so proud of both of you! Thanks for the reports and lovely picture, love and prayers!!!
love
giuliana & George
May 17, 2013 at 7:22 pm
wow, I can’t believe the end of the walk is closing in! What beautiful scenery and flowers, an artists delight! I am so proud of you and your stamina ! What a thrill it will be when you arrive at Santiago de Compostella ! Love, Mom
May 17, 2013 at 8:26 pm
Still following you in the beautiful spiritual realm of the Camino….. and loving the peace it must be bringing you while we are caught up in the scandals of the day with our President , the IRS, tapping in on the phone lines of the A.P. reporters,and FINALLY Benghazi has become a story.
It is very tragic for our country. Geonine and Kerry xoxoxxo
May 17, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Beautiful pictures. Kay
May 17, 2013 at 11:08 pm
I love the scenery! I would be clicking away for sure with the camera! Yes, God reveals himself in the beauty of nature!
Love,
Mar
May 17, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Just unbelievable !!!!! what an experience that you have taken on. I must say that Angie is holding on to the plan, Angie .. Keep Mike in line and get it done the right way.
with Love Steve and Patty
May 18, 2013 at 12:52 am
You guys are doing great. I really enjoy the photos and descriptions and of course you’re sense of humor!!!. Are you having to type all this out on your phone???
You have a 8 km climb of 600 meters into O Cebreirer in a couple of days but otherwise it looks like the toughest part is behind you. Another 200 km is still a tough task but not so overwhelming after completing almost 600 km.
Mark
May 18, 2013 at 6:30 am
I’m writing this for Maribel who is having trouble posting her encouragement. She loves the blogs and is praying for you!!!!
May 18, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Thanks Di.. I believe we did receive one from her a while back….
“Mike & Angie
May 19, 2013 at 6:44 am
Beautiful photos. Be careful and watch your footing. You are amazing!!! Hugs, Pamela
May 19, 2013 at 8:41 pm
Love the ponchos!
May 21, 2013 at 6:46 am