I am afraid to mention the weather as we have had warm sunny days in a delicious string. So was today. The walk down from El Acebo was difficult as one can imagine a 1000 year old mountain trail might be. Doing it in the dark adds a degree of difficulty. Once back into the valley the walking got better and the sights more so. Ponderrada has a number of amazing churches and Roman bridges (see Facebook) and a 12th century Castillo de Los Templarios. The knights that served to protect the pilgrims.  It has been beautifully restored and towers over the center of town.  I was there early so after a short visit I continued on to Camponaranya. A small town along the way.  In keeping with my practice, I continue to stay in towns NOT one that is recommended by the guide book. This albergue is new and modern with its own bar and restaurant. Everything a man needs after a day of walking.  

Like a chess game, plans for a walk must consider the moves that will come after the next one. Tomorrow I hope to get past Vilafranca del Bierzo in order to have a shorter walk up the steepest hills on the Camino and on into Galicia. The last province I will cover  and the seat of Santiago de Compastella. By tomorrow, I will have completed 75 percent of the Camino and in 2 or 3 days I will be inside 100 miles. Stay tuned to see what happens.