Contrasts

Posted on by Pete Schloss

El Acebo to Ponferrada, June 14, 2026.

Dear Followers, Friends, Family, and Christine.

Today in the span of less than 20 km we traded small charming mountain villages for the bustle of city life in Ponferrada (pop. 69,000).

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The descent to the river valley was steep, but not near as steep as yesterday.

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At times we could discern that we were walking ancient Roman roads.

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As if this needed confirmation, a sign led us off the route 150 meters to a 2,000 year old Roman fountain.

The Roman well is situated approximately 15 feet below street level. 
The cave-like interior. 
2000 years and water still flows freely.

I am running short on time this evening, so I’ll post my pictures and provide some captions were appropriate.

Safe travels to the three grandchildren returning to the states. Continued grand journey for you and the remaining granddaughter. Love you Christine. Me

Peace Everyone and Buen Camino. Pete.

A huge snail contrasted against the handle of my trucking pole. 
El Acebo in the distance as we proceeded down hill.
A monument to a bicycle pilgrim who died along the way. 
Progress!  by the end of the day we had less than 200 km to go. 
A pilgrim monument at Molinaseca 
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The 12th Century Knights Templar castle in Ponferrada.
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We did laundry today. It was a very modern automated facility. They do not allow you to put your dog or cat inside the washing machines or dryers.
Another contrast on the day, my “albino”!feet! No blisters, yet!!!

10 thoughts on “Contrasts”

  5. Liz S. says:

    Ah .. the Castle at Ponferrada … the last time I was there (2016) we were with our dear friend Kathy Kennerly, who has since passed away. Her love for all things Camino was evident in her life – your pictures brought that day back to me. Thank you!

    • Pete Schloss says:

      You are so welcome! One of these days I’m going to go through my contacts and count those who are no longer among the living. That does not necessarily mean that I will be able to delete them.

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