left ponferada this morning, taking a break

yesterday we made it to pondferadda before the rain came in. it was quite cold and we only got to walk by the knights of templar castle. lots of construction. we are now middle way to our next town of villafranca where tomorow we leave to cross over the big mountain into galicia. at the auberque there they will transport your pack for two euros. i think we will take them up on that. since astorga we have been travelling with two older ladies, one from south africa, stephe, a real gem and angie from australia. they both have lived some amazing lives and steph has been walking since le puy (500) miles before where we started!! and she at 56 has two hip replacements! talk about inspiration! we also have been caring for a little one, Camina, a beautiful collie that they found in dire straights. we are looking for a home for her and have less than 200 k to find one. we considered bringing her home, she is so special but the costs are uncertain and we are just not sure if we could do it. so we are keeping faith that a good home is out there and in the meantime we have a wonderful companion to guide us to santiago. be back soon, we must get moving before our muscles get cold....