Day 10
Castrillo de los Polvazares to Molinaseca

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Map is not to scale !
 
The breathtaking scenery and the cool weather makes the climb up to the Rabanal pass one of my favorite rides during the trip.
The scent of heather and Lavender gets more intense as we gain altitude.
The real uphill begins at Rabanal del Camino and stretches for the next 16 km.
Even a large sign warns bicylists about the steep grade.
According to ancient pilgrims tradition, we deposited our rock from Tennessee at the 'Cruz de Ferro'.
We stop at the refugio in Manjarin (picture below) to refill our waterbottles, then a few more km until the neckbreaking downhill begins.
 
We stop in El Acebo to let our rims cool down, they have gotten quite hot and emit a noxious odor from the continuous use of the brakes. At the bar we have 2 cups of 'cafe con leche grande' and a sandwich that is so huge, we almost can not finish it between the two of us (700 pesetas!). Other bicyclists stop for the same reason and we chat with folks from Germany, Australia, and Belgium.

We can see the smog (from the coal processing?) hanging over Ponferrada in the distance and stay in Molinaseca. In the summer, one might wish to have a swim suit, as the river Meruelo is dammed up to make a swimming pool in the center of town.





 
Refugios are located at:
 
 

Santa Catalina de Somoza:

Refugio Municipal

El Ganso:

Refugio Municipal

Rabanal de Camino:

Refugio Municipal next to the church
Refugio Nostra Senora del Pilar (private) on the left side as you enter the town

Manjarin:

Refugio Municipal pequeno, no running water, located on top of the mountains and run by a guy who thinks he is one of the Knights Templar and has dedicated his life to serving the pilgrims. don't miss this if alternative lifestyles interest you.

El Acebo:

Refugio Municipal

Molinaseca:

Refugio Municipal at the end of town on the left
 bicycle pilgrims after 8:00 pm or in tents

 

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