So here's my next to last entry on this thread.
June 3, day 17, stages 18+19
Igüeña - Labaniego - Congosto 34,29 Wikiloc (without deviation to Virgen de la Peña)
The owner of Restaurante La Playa across the albergue was so nice to open up to serve me breakfast. The Basque couple were sleeping in as they were going to catch a bus to León to pick up their car.
Today was just what the doctor ordered. The knee stiffness was still there but less and once I got moving improved. Blanki also gave me a painkiller just in case. I wasn't familiar with the name but looked it up and it's for joint pain and arthritis so I thought, heck, just take it.
The first part of the first stage was just so lovely along rolling hills and fields on sandy paths.
Murals entering Quintana de Fuseros
We are in the Bierzo region and felt as if on another planet! The towns were well kept, people I passed by friendly and said Buen Camino. A woman outside her home leaving San Justo de las Cabanillas even gave me a cup of coffee and cake.
Leaving Rodanillo (see the rainbow curb?) three woman stopped me to chat and when my phone beeped that the battery was low they offered to charge my phone (not needed as I have a power bank). All this in one day! Nothing like this had happened in the previous 16 days!
Otherwise ups and downs through Forrest's and fields. I had an encounter with three Mastiffs but in the end they were not interested in me.
A view up top to the reservoir.
The albergue (donation based) is in the old football changing room but very well done up. There are three room with 2 bunk beds each, showers, WC, tiny fridge, microwave, coffee machine and makings for breakfast. It's quite warm in here but there is even airco!
Since the bars in town are closed today the hospitalera (comes in the evening to stamp your credential) WhatsApp'd me to ask what food and drink she could buy for me! She sent me pictures of food from the Mercadona in Ponferrada. When I arrived the fridge was filled with my salad, a beer and gaseosa!
And I had a nice surprise when I arrived. There is another peregrina! A Spanish woman from Barcelona who also started in Bilbao. She has also done a ton of different Caminos. We won't meet again as tomorrow she's off to Villafranca to pick up her Olvidada then home.
Tomorrow Ponfe
. I'll vist friends I haven't seen since July 2020 when they came to Villares de Orbigo for my birthday.