Camino Pilgrim

I planned my early morning hike so I would reach Cruz de Ferro (iron cross) by sunrise. I finished yesterday halfway up the mountain. Did my 500 meters elevation climb at normal walking speed. Very happy about strength in both knees.

Around thirty pilgrims had the same idea as me about arriving there at sunrise. I had to wait in line to have my picture taken. Dropping off a stone was a simple action. Now 100 grams less burden for hiking.

After the iron cross, you still have the eccentric Manjarín village with the local knights templar giving a lot of help and support to pilgrims. It is possible to stay in that stone igloo hut village, but wind will blow through all the houses and there is no protection from cold. I really have no idea how that one guy lives there all winter to greet passing pilgrims and offer a hot beverage. Truly a unique person.

The 1000 meter descent down from the mountaintop is really hard. Just like on the second day of my journey, the only option was to walk on hard rock pieces coming out of the ground at random angles.

There were 2 villages on the way down, so no pilgrim would feel lost or helpless. Lots of accommodation options too. Last time I did use the chance and took only halfway downhill. This time I wanted to challenge myself more and go down to the valley.

Very happy to have made it to Molinaseca. I did also consider reaching the big town of Ponferrada, but walking even straight roads on hard surfaces after being in the mountains all day felt like a very bad idea. It is insanely hot here in the valley where I am staying. Tomorrow should be cloudy and I can push a good distance, walking almost all day on hard surfaces with barely any elevation change.

The next mountain is just two days away. Unfortunately, now mountains will get smaller and smaller. A few more days on the slopes and I would not be a very slow person going downhill.