Molinaseca to Cacabelos

Day 8

A shorter day today, but very hot and dusty. The terrain was mostly flat. We left about 6:30 and said goodbye to beautiful Molinaseca. The antique lanterns were lit along the main boulevard as we departed.

And, at first I thought I was looking at a string of lights ahead but as I got closer it saw it was about a dozen barn swallows sound asleep on a wire. These little birds work overtime throughout the day eating incests along the local river valley and in the fields. They certainly earn their sleep.

Saw another group of birds just before Ponferrada. They were living their best life.

We had breakfast at a coffee shop about 7 km away in Ponferrada. Then headed on our way. I was really impressed by the care taken for this ancient whisertia. What appear to be organic-origin stems are actually steel rods shaped into a support system for one ancient plant. You can see the one thick trunk tucked behind the fake thin trunks. I also don’t know who built this home but note it has two different coats of arms on the side – so it must have been a very historic family residence.

After heading down the road, we had a few more stops throughout the morning for coffee and orange juice.

I discovered today how much I love color combinations that remind me of a sunset. Several examples here.

We stopped for a late lunch just down the street and then got to our destination about 4 pm. The guys got a private room and Julie and I chose the ‘albergue’ option for a bit less but ended up the only people in the room and we have a private bathroom and shower. There are differences though. We’re sleeping on bottom bunks, don’t have towels, and will use our sleeping bags. Still, a great option. You really just never know what ‘albergue’ will mean. We’ll do a group laundry load once the machine is free. Until then, a little siesta. Perhaps later a little wander around town.

More later…