Distance 35.7 miles

Ascent 814 metres Descent 1168 metres

Temperature 20 degrees

A lot more cyclists on the Camino now and we are enjoying exchanging stories as we go along. This morning two fellow bicygrinos staying at our hotel were mending a puncture first thing. A disappointing start to the day for them.

Then a long downhill into Ponferrada when we tested our new brakes to the limit.

We are in awe. Our efforts are nothing in comparison to Hugo’s and his colleagues. Yesterday Hugo and three fellow submariners swam the English Channel. All that effort just to help us with our french language inadequacies. Does he know we are in Spain now?

Many congratulations to all the team. It is a fantastic achievement.

If all the strikes and travel difficulties continue we may need a lift home. We promise we wouldn’t cause any trouble on a submarine.

Water heating element update. We have fused the lights twice in our Hostal bedroom this evening whilst trying to make a cup of tea. Third time lucky. Alison has a plan of course.

Will we get our early morning cup of tea? Update tomorrow.

Good night.