As Laurie described it, today we are repositioning to Ponferrada. There, we will separate for a few days at least. She will zip around to explore some new sidetrips and monasteries, and I will attempt to walk the standard Invierno route. I did it in 2022, but found it a bit unsatisfying, maybe partly because there was still a lingering Covid mood. I’m trying again since so many people rave about it. Hopefully I’ll appreciate it more. I’m looking forward to a bit more pilgrim vibe than there was on the Serrana.

I had breakfast at the hotel buffet and then we walked to the train station,  through old neighbourhoods of  Seville. Didn’t see any pilgrims, but those starting here on the Vía de la Plata would have started earlier and gone in the opposite direction.

After a day on the train, transferring in Madrid and Palencia, we arrive in Ponferrada, where we have rooms in different hotels. I’m in the Hotel Los Templarios, in the same room I had in 2022. Dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant.