Day 100-102

Day 100- that's exciting. Murias de Rechivaldo to Foncebadon 22km
Today I climb into the Irago mountains which I have seen for a few days ahead of me. Initial walking is a little like the Flinders Ranges/outback SA. Lots of jet streams in the sky. Mostly on gravel paths alongside the road and beside stone walls. Coffee in El Ganso then back on the dusty path, below the power lines sizzling overhead then lots of uphill amongst the heather and loose stone. Sheep bells ring as they move up the hillsides. I choose the Druid Place to stay but eat at Monte Irago, opposite. Delicious paella served from a huge shallow pan. Yum

Day 101- Foncebadon to Ponferrada 26 km
First up to the tiny iron cross which is affixed to a tall wooden pole. Here pilgrims traditionally leave a stone or other memento from home. Early morning brings beautiful sunrise views over the mountains.  The route today is difficult with lots of rock to cross as it goes down for a long way. Warm & sunny into Ponferrada where the albergue is huge. Not the best place to stay and definitely not somewhere I would recommend. Put it on the miss list. Play tourist & visit some churches and the Knights Templar castle.

Day 102- Ponferrada to Trabadelo. 33 km
A rather early wake up call when the girl on the bunk above takes a phone call at 5am. At least I get an early start. Thru the silent city which has very poor way marking. I walk a lot of today with Alex from Melbourne. Past numerous stone crosses, along dirt tracks, very dusty, thru vineyards, often stoney, ups & downs. The way climbs up after Cacabelos where all we have to walk on is the very edge of the road. After Pieros we can walk through vineyards which is much better & safer. Stunning views all round, up & down until we reach Villafranca de Bierzo. Straight thru, although actually it's anything but straight or flat. Across the little stone bridge then alongside the road again as Alex & I track on thru Pereje & into Trabadelo. That's it for me but Alex goes on. A long hot day & I'm glad to finish. There is a hot wind blowing and the temp is in the 30s even though we are deep in the Valcarce valley.