As per Tony:
Welcome to our journey as it unfolds! Our itinerary so far; left Kamloops 9am, went up in an airplane 6:40pm, came down 1:30pm Munich time, up again at 7:50pm, dropped into Madrid to say hello, we slept for 3 or 4 minutes and boarded a train at 5:30 pm for Ponferrada and sometime in the near future they’ll eject us when we arrive. If you’re confused welcome to the club!
The baby has been great, Hannah’s been constantly telling me where to go and I, in a sleepy fog, obey! Food and water has been scarce as we arrived or departed when everything was closed. Some food places were open but it’s either eat or pay my upcoming car insurance, can’t do both! Hannah’s enforced food rationing. We have 1 ½ bags of wasabi peas, one granola bar and a tiny bit of chocolate covered raisins. Update: We now we have one bag and a little bit of wasabi peas. I have to stay vigilant!
(Intermission: we got to our Airbnb and there was much to do and little time so we didn’t get to posting this until the next day, hence the transition from currently being on a train to suddenly being in Ponferrada and sightseeing, all in the same post).
We made it to Ponferrada about 10pm. We have a nice place, three bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom. We all had a great sleep.
Today we went to visit the Castillo de Los Templarios, also known as The Templars Castle in Ponferrada.
“The Templar Castle was commissioned by King Ferdinand II in 1178 AD. It was built to protect pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. The castle was named after the famous Knights Templar, who defended the town in the 12th century. The Knights Templar were highly skilled warriors and played a significant role in the Crusades.”
It was amazing to walk among the 12th century castle! It was then off to Mass at the Basilica de la Virgen de la Encina.
Then back to our digs, a quick meal and off to sleep.
Tomorrow is the first day of walking our last 200 km! Pray for us as we begin the last leg of our journey, and know of our prayers for you!
Buen Camino!
Good Stuff!
Pray all continues to go well.
It’s great to hear of your trip so far. I remember that castle but it was closed when we passed through the town. Praying for a great Camino for all of you!
Glad to hear of your progress
Great post Tony! It looks like you have a new job as journalist on this trip – in addition to being grandad!!!
What a privilege to pilgrimage with your daughter and grandson. You must be so proud of Hannah – it’s a huge undertaking to complete the Camino Frances with a bub – but I imagine it’s also a true joy seeing the happiness his presence brings to all the other pilgrims 🥰
Ultreia! Buen Camino!!!
Thank you for sharing the beginning of your trip. Also for sharing great pictures, so far. Look forward to seeing more, as you continue your adventures!