Today's trek...

I started in Ponferrada at 6:45 ish as the first inklings of light started to appear. I walked about 22 km to where I am now, Villafranca del Bierzo. The walk was rather 'easy' and I completed it by 1pm. Tomorrow's promises to be more challenging as its for a distance of 28 kilometres and requires a 700 m climb.

Today's walk was through the County of Bierzo. According to its motto it is in fact a round county. The walk took us through a couple of hamlets, villages and towns. I walked alone most of the time as people passed me.

The family I shared the church floor with passed me today. They are most likely well ahead of me. Something passersby and other pilgrims say to each other is "Buen Camino!". I never knew how much this phrase could lift my spirits.

Its fun to do this walk although I admit I get bored with just my thoughts. So I have resorted to enjoying the musings of Billy Joel and other artists as I walk.

One part of the walk I was expecting but didn't know its impact on performance was the heat. I completed over half of today's trek without heat, and without fatigue. The heat hit me after the last town before the end of today's journey and I slowed considerably. I hope I can continue to enjoy good weather as to minimize fatigue.

Pictures: the lobby of the albergue; and overpass of a highway for pilgrims.
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