The French guys turn out to be top blokes. Simon, Ben and Mathew (I’m pretty sure are their names). We sat at their refugio drinking and eating, it was a good evening. They tell me that my refugio experience at Najera wasn’t typical, and that I should try another one. I’m not entirely convinced but say I might.
The next morning I bump into them again just before we set off up the highest peak of the camino. I set off ahead. It certainly wasn’t as bad as the route from Saint Jean Pied du Port but it was tiring just the same. It also didn’t help that I’d only just got up and my body wasn’t quite ready for such exertion. Made it to the top (1800m) where I was joined by the French guys. Just before the top is an iron cross called the Cruz De Farro. You’re supposed to bring a stone from your home town and leave it at the base. Bringing a stone from Birmingham wasn’t on my list of things to pack, so unfortunately I couldn’t contribute.
After this is an 18km decent almost all the way into Ponferrada. The views were absolutely stunning but I was enjoying the downhill so much I failed to stop and take any pictures.
I had two huge croissants in Ponferrada before continuing the 10 miles on to Villafranca del Bierzo. I arrived just after midday.
Over the last two days the guide I’ve been following has only suggested short distances. They are a little too short as I’m arriving at my destination by dinner and not appreciating a full days ride. Luckily, tomorrow covers more ground, and I should reach Santiago de Compostela by Thursday.