Camino a Santiago Day 24: Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada

A jam-packed marathon day along the Camino saw the road going upwards to the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most symbolic spots along the Way, and also the highest point of the Camino Frances. And yet, this was but the start of a stunningly beautiful walk which then turned sharply downwards to Ponferrada, and a castle once run by the Knights Templar; the once mighty order of warrior monks who protected pilgrims on their way to Santiago. A Corpus Christ celebration in Ocebo, some dancing, and a chat with a group of high school sophomores on an 8-day Camino of their own rounded it all out, leaving me exhausted and grateful for the rest day ahead. CORRECTIONS CORNER: Ponferrada Castle was not built by the Knights Templar, but it was run by them for a great many years, and has been identified with them and their presence, protecting pilgrims on their way to Santiago, since.