Our nephew Jordan joined us through the end of the flat, arid Meseta, over the Cantabrian mountains and into the fertile El Bierzo valley to Ponferrada. Jordan is on a 3 week vacation from work in Seattle Washington and we were delighted he wanted to spend 6 nights with us! And we had one 20 mile day with over 2000 feet of elevation gain which was thoroughly exhausting for Steven and I and clearly a piece of cake for Jordan!
Ponferrada is a beautiful, old Spanish town with a cool castle.
Before Jordan met us we had a rest day in beautiful, old Leon.
Cruz Ferro is one of the highest points on the Camino where pilgrims have symbolically left their “burdens” for centuries, usually held in the form of a small stone. It is believed to have been first erected by the ancient Celts and much later an iron cross placed on top. Our earlier Camino visitors, Nancy, Rob, and Jamie, all left stones for me to release at the site. And I released some of my own burdens as well!
Jordan’s youthful energy is now headed to Barcelona and then France. We loved having you with us!
Stats
Day 23 – Calzadila de los Hermanillos to Mansilla de las Mulas. 15.1 miles & 265 feet in elevation gain.
Day 24 – Mansilla to Leon. 12 miles & 429 feet.
Day 25 – Rest Day – Visited an Antonio Gaudi building called Casa de Botines.
Day 26 – Leon to Villar de Mazarife. Due to 57 mph wind gusts and torrential rains, we took the bus. Jordan joined us here.
Day 27 – Villar de Mazarife to Santibanez. 13.2 miles. Toured Gaudi’s “Palace” in Astorga on the way through.
Day 28 – Santibanez to Santa Catalina de Somoza. Stayed at favorite hotel on Camino – Via Avis. (Water heated floors.) 14.1 miles & 912 feet.
Day 29 – Santa Catalina to El Acebo. Stop at Cruz Ferro. 20 miles & 2105 feet. Hard, steep downhill at end.
Day 30 – El Acebo downhill to Ponferrada. Eileen & Brian arrive. We have our goodbye dinner with Jordan.
13 thoughts on “Day 23 – 30 Crossing the Cantabrian mountains w/Jordan”
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Love the photos and update, Karen. Thanks for sharing. Glad your journey is still going well. The last third reminded me a lot of western Oregon….coming home. Buen Camino, my friend.
I am curious to hear how your Camino Francés walk has felt in retrospect Kathy, now that I have new ears after having done it. A talk to have after we get home for sure!
Love, love, and more love!!! Thank you for leaving my rock and burdens. I felt I was there in spirit. Keep moving forward. Miss you guys!
You were there in spirit! ❤️💜
Just catching up, so enjoy reading about your journey (and the photos!). How are your feet after so many king days? Any blisters? Curious, I usually get vlisters after a few days nonstop. Hope you’re not! Happy Trails! XOXO
My feet were thankfully happy campers through the entire walk. I found my perfect combo of toe socks with a light wool sock over them. And of course my Alta wide toe bed shoes. Thanks for reading my blog Jill!
King of course means walking…smartphone pecking:)
Love this post with photos of Jordan! So fun to see him out there with both of you. love love
Love love to you daughter!
You have enjoyed wonderful visitors along your journey. Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us. You all look happy and well. xoxo
Thank you Kim!
Congratulations on finishing that 20 mi/2000 ft day; I am impressed! The symbolism of the Cruz Ferro is so interesting. And I love the smiles in the photo of you and Steven giving Jordan a goodbye hug 🤗
💜