Day 3: Ponferrada

View from Templar Castle

Ponferrada's Sil River with castle 

Castle entrance over moat --drawbridge is gone now

   Book from castle library written @ 1400

   Amazing clarity and colors. 

We took a 3 hour train ride from Palencia today to reach Ponferrada. We start our Camino tomorrow morning. We plan to walk 9.1 miles tomorrow. (Jade will take the backpack taxi). 

We had time to tour the Templar Castle that dates back to the 12th century. It is a massive structure that was recently reconstructed as a historic site. The coolest thing about this castle was the medieval book library. I never knew castles had specific rooms designated as libraries!  The books are all under glass so pilgrims don't get chocolate all over the pages. Beautifully bound books written on religion, natural science, maps and feudal life. 

Another unusual fun fact is that castles along the Camino de Santiago (French Way) are rare. It's common to see medieval cathedrals, churches, monestaries, & wineries, but no castles. 

We are staying at a replica of a castle called the Temple Hotel. (The lobby pictures are below). I still wish we had brought that suit of armor back from England!  

We are jet lagged and tired so signing off for now. 

Lobby in hotel

Sir Drinks-a-lot, the second