Hola! A shorter distance today since our legs are still tired from yesterday. We also decided to try to skip the Albergues and stay in Hostals from now on. At this time in the year it is just little more for a room with shower and no need for reservations. Besides, there is a rumor of bedbugs in some Albergues ahead. Most are closing in November and peaple working there have “Burn Out” from the high traffic all summer.

We started at 8 am since light does not come till about 8:40 now.  After about two hours we entered Ponferrada (meaning Iron Bridge) – pop. 63,000 and on the river Sil. During the Roman times the region was mined for various minerals. The city is noted for the Castillo de los Templarios, a Knights Templar castle covering approx. 16,000 square meters. In 1178 the city was donated to the knights by the king to protect the pilgrims on the way to Santiago. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponferrada

Our route took us through the medieval city and past the main historic sites. We stopped for breakfast across from the Knights Templar castle and continued on the trail after touring the castle. After the city we walked through vineyards and past fig, quince, pomegranate and chestnut trees.