Leon Mountains

After leaving Astorga I pass through several small towns with the mountains fast approaching. my companions and I decide to stay at Rabanal, at a refuge run by the English Confaternity. waiting for it to open we were offered watermelon and cold water. After we were shown to our beds afternoon tea awaited. That evening We attended a Gregorian chant at what was a very important Templar Church. Also sharing our refuge are 2 mules Nuggent and Narcisus.
And now on to the mountains, not nearly as bad as advertised at the peak cruz al fero 1500 meters one is supposed to leave a stone brought from home, I have misplaced mine, when I find it I will throw it in the Med. sea. All so near the top is an ecentric host Thomas and his mule and the worst coffee I have ever tasted. Tonight I will stay in a pension in Riego de Ambros, they have a bath tub, It is wonderful.
This is going to turn out to be a slow day. After 13 k I reach Ponferrada, another surprise and exciting city. The Templar castle is huge and everything that a castle should be moats, drawbridge and all. I am really slowing down and it is avery long 28 k. Turns out I am reacting to the antiinflamatories and my poor tummy is wrecked and I am wiped, next day I cannot leave my room I am wrecked from you can guess what, Fortunatly I am staying in a hotel. I do get some medicine at the Pharmacy and feel somewhat better by 4.00 Pm, I have lost a day but that is okay, I have extras.