We decided to skip walking a section because of weather and logistics. This was the beautiful section across a mountain range between Astorga and Ponferrada in which we would pass the Cruz de Ferro – – the highest point on the Camino – – about a mile high. The weather forecast for the places in the foothills of this mountain range was for rain and near-freezing weather. We couldn’t get a good forecast for the mountain towns (they are too small) but we expected it might be snowing. In any case, we didn’t like the idea of walking through that area on wet gray days. Some of it treacherous downhill even in good weather (we remember it well from previous caminos – – very challenging).
One thing I’ve always loved about doing a Camino is that you don’t let the weather stop you. At home, if it’s raining or windy or snowing, I seldom carry through with doing my usually-daily walk. But on the Camino, if it’s rainy or windy or snowy, we just put on our best protective clothing and head out. Well, that’s been true for us up till this Camino. We couldn’t face that track through the mountains in this weather. There turned out to be great bus service from Astorga to Ponferrada and we made the trip across the mountains in 70 minutes in a warm comfortable bus instead of walking 5 or 6 days in cold rainy weather.
From Ponferrada we took a taxi part way out of town and then walked into the wonderful town of Cacabelos. (Don’t you just love that name?) In the rain. We were so cold we just checked into our sweet little hotel and then found lunch and then went back to the hotel and hunkered down trying to get warm.
Re: walking in the rain.
My lovely daughter doesn’t appear too comfortable or relaxed – – – this time! 🙂 Hummm?
Well, the rain wasn’t too bad. At least not pouring down and drenching us which has happened a few times on the Camino. Just a light drizzle. But, it does get old, especially when you are cold!