Last night was very interesting. The albergue is donativo and very small. There were 16 pilgrims in a very small room. Of course as it always is someone would get up to use the restroom in the middle of the night, not close the door to the bedroom and leave the light on. It is hilarious because that is the only way you can look at it. Someone would then get up and close the door. This actually goes on all night. It makes for burst of deep sleep and times of being woken. Crazy times on the Camino.
Today I started out around 7:15 it was still not totally light so I used my headlamp. The wind was blowing and it was cold. Mid 40’s. We stayed at about 5000 feet of altitude so that is only natural. After about 10 minutes I arrived at the Cruz de Ferro. I placed my rock and had a friend take a picture and off I went. I knew this day would be extra hard as it is mostly down hill, very rocky and some places very steep. I was not looking forward to today. In reality it was all of the above but I handled it very well and it was not too bad. I think because I stayed at Foncebadon so close to the top of the hill that my legs were fresh and I handled it much better. All of the other times I have walked it I have started in Santa Catalina de Somoza which is 15 km down the hill. The up hill tires me out and then I walk down that hill on shaky legs. Not a good idea. Note to self.
Tonight I am staying in Ponferrada at a very nice albergue called Aldea. I am in a room with only 4 beds. The bathroom is for one person only and is super nice with a tub shower. It is the little things that make you happy on the Camino. I will not have to use my sleeping bag tonight as the bed has sheets on it and blankets. I am not vegetarian but they also serve a vegetarian meal if you want.