Journey to Ponferrada





In the afternoon I moved on, the last railway journey for a while. Astorga station reminded me a little of British Railways in the 1960's. There was evidence of past sidings, of steam locomotives being left behind and no one bothering to tidy up afterwards. That was one part of the story. There was even an afternoon train of locomotive and three carriages that trundled into the station, hung around for ten minutes and then trundled off again.

I eventually got onto my train, only twenty minutes late, very Birmingham New Street! It was a little confusing because all the carriages were number 11! The ticket inspector smiled when he looked at the ticket, just sit where you like he said. What a treat this journey was, an hour up through the mountains, twisting and turning through around thirty tunnels with spectacular views. It was well worth the €6.10 for the ticket.

At Ponferrada I was treated to a walk past an ancient Templars Castle. As I did so I gave quiet thanks to those who care for the Templars Pilgrimage Fund and who contributed to the cost of my pilgrimage. The old charitable Christian values that spurred on the Templars of old live on. Laus Deo.


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