Astorga to Foncebadón

Foncebadón to Ponferrada

On this day Krikor arrived in Ponferrada! His journey involved the great descent from the Cantabrian mountains through the villages of Riego de Ambros, Molinaseca and El Acabeo. This village has a sad history of emigration. Its total population is only 40 inhabitants. After talking to one of the locals, Dr Moskofian found out that all young people had left the village. The only occupants are the elderly. Last year 11 elderly members of the village passed away. This year 5 has passed away. Dr Moskofian also passed through the village of Santa Catelina de Samoza, and saw the house of a great local poet.

Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

The Fifth Anniversary Fundraising Walk reached Villafranca del Bierzo on this day: Krikor ventured through the villages of Columbrianos, Puentes Nuevas, Cacabelos and Valtuille de Arriba. He unexpectedly came across his neighbour from London who is also walking the Santiago de Compostela.

Villafranca del Bierzo to Laguna de Castilla

Krikor’s walk on Friday included a great sight of Villafranca at daybreak from the mountains. The route towards Lagune de Castilla passed many villages and farmers hard at work, tiling the soil. See some of the harvests below. Krikor stayed in the last village of the Castilla y Leon region which borders Galicia to the west and the Basque Country and La Rioja to the east.

Laguna de Castilla to Triacastela

On this day, Krikor embarked on the last leg of his journey and entered the region of Galicia after just a fifteen minute walk! He witnessed the beauty of the region, Galician style houses, and preparations for hunting season. There were also many instances of cattle herds roaming through the villages. About an hour into the journey, Krikor almost had a collision with a fast-paced deer who pounced out into the road and vanished instantly across onto the other side.