Molinesca>Villafranca del Bierzo

Woke up with sore feet. I had ibuprofen, yogurt, a tin of sardines with bread and cheese for breakfast. Applied enough tiger balm to each calf to make my eyes water. Walking was the best way to start to the day, hair of the dog… Once I was on the road I loosened up. I imagine the tiger balm fumes coming from my calves looking like heat rolling off asphalt in summer. The day had an unusual progression and started through an ocean of concrete in Ponferrad.  Pounding pavement only aggravated my feet. I saw a line of taxis, and seized the moment. €12 and 8k later I was on the outskirts of the city and on comfy gravel. My day went from 19 to 15 miles. Much more manageable. Legs continued to loosen up with the heat of the day. I took the high road into the countryside and rocked out with iPod. I stopped for a 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea portion of Pulpo. I ate what what must have been 4 cups of octopus, and I ate guilt free. It’s really good for you, google it. Coasted into Villafranca on a Pulpo protein high. Salad with tuna and a thin steak with potatoes for dinner. Church, Marcato, and a movie on the iPod planned for later. Feeling much better and I’ll be getting to bed early. Tomorrow is a 19 mile monster with a 2100 foot climb to O’Cebreiro!