Day 23 - Acebo to Cacabelos

The night was not very good due to the bathroom door noises in the albergue. We were glad our beds were not near the door.
We got up when everyone else was stirring at about 6:30 and were down for the breakfast that had been promised at 7:00 but there was no sign of it so we set out down the mountain towards Molinaseca. This was our albergue from last night

It was a difficult descent on rocky, slippery stones and after about 2 hours of this we were glad to finally reach the village with no twisted knees or ankles. The views were not as nice as yesterday and the tops of the mountains we had crossed all seemed to be in cloud today. The sky looked threatening but no rain, at least for now.

The village of Molinaseca was very pretty and we soon found a restaurant for breakfast. It was 8:45 but still too early for the advertised special of eggs, bacon, toast, baked beans and coffee for €3.60 so we had to manage with toast and coffee.
Refreshed we started again and followed the marked trail to Ponferrada. It took us a long way round the town avoiding the congested areas, across the Rio Boaza and up into the historical section of town.
We were immediately in front of the 12th century Templar Castle. The big billboard in front of it rather spoils the whole effect and made us disinterested in considering a tour. Probably the opposite of what the PR people had designed.

We found a café for coffee and a croissant or empanada and continued on our way. Today we have to complete 31 km since the next albergue is 15 km from here.
The path went over the river and out of the town before entering a section through small villages and vineyards. Some of the homes seem to have been abandoned and were in very bad condition.

We also passed some typical churches and the storks were busy.

We continually had a view of the mountains but from time to time it tried to rain.

This was a sign on the path. We are getting closer!
At about 2:15 we arrived at the albergue. It is very different. There is a building surrounding an old church divided into  20 two bed rooms. Werner and I moved in to one and Josef moved in with a Spaniard. It looks quite good but we will see how it works. The showers and toilets are in a central area but we have to go outside to get to them.
We each showered, the water was hot but since they were covered with a roof and walls that did not reach the roof the air temperature in the shower was the same as the outside air which was 10°C or 50°F. We moved quickly and were soon dressed again!
I had a little washing to do and hope it will dry by tomorrow despite the cold damp weather.
I had finished my chores and sat near the albergue entrance when Christa arrived. It was wonderful that she could share a little with us. We parked the car and she and Ute joined Werner, Josef and I at a coffee shop in the town for a cup of coffee. It was very nice. Then we went to look for a hotel for them and after finding no room at the first one found a nice room at the next one we tried.
We met the others in town and after wine and tapas we had dinner together in a local restaurant. It was a very nice evening. Christa and Ute went back to their hotel after I had made a video for William and the other 3 of us went back to our albergue. I don't know why but no one took a photo of all of us.
It was only 9:00 pm but it is cold and raining so I am in bed listening to the rain on the roof as I write this.

Today we walked 30 km (19 miles)

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