Rocky Section on the Descent into Molinaseca

Wonderful day...from Rabanal to Molinaseca! One of my favorites. Thought that walk down would never end. Very intense, but a great reward at the other end. Molinaseca was beautiful. A satisfying day.

@MoniRose Did you try the Great little restaurant at the end of the old town strip called Restaurante El Yantar de Muriel? One of my favourites.

Seeing this rough track - it just reinforces my decision to ride the road. But it is still waiting for me!!

We remember this part of the walk very well. Partly because of the challenge, partly because of the beautiful scenery (in May 2017), but mostly because of the guy behind me trying to race down the rocky slope. I paused to watch my step and he ran right into me. Oh well. I just turned around, smiled and wished him a Buen Camino.

I did walk down this section of the camino in May 2017. I had stopped the night before at Riego de Ambros,. I stayed at the community albergue - very down market but the evening meal at bar/cafe was well at truly up market. Anyway I left early in the morning, fresh and well rested and I was really glad I had my sticks as this area was very rough. Thankfully it was dry, wet it would have been a real nightmare!!

So that’s what it looks like! I walked it in winter and it was covered with snowdrifts interspersed with running water from rain, and mud. I kept on breaking through and falling over. So tired I couldn’t even let fly with a few relieving curses. The few others walking that day used the road.
Rather character forming, or that’s my excuse!

De colores

Bogong

These rocks are the result of erosion and loss of topsoil. This is the result of a lot of feet walking, and poor trail planning and drainage. Ideally, there would be erosion bars put in, and the path would be a switch back. I don't see that happening anytime soon. --- That downhill trek, by the way, was where my too small shoes bashed my big toe nails every step of the way.

A really hard day for my friend and I walking in June 2017 . The temperatures were in the high 30's , so it was slow going , in fact I remember feeling that that section of the trail would never end ! We heard later , in Molineseca , that the Singing Pilgrim ( as we fondly called him ) had been found collapsed and disoriented from heat stroke . Fortunately he was rescued by other pilgrims who got him out of the sun and treated him with fluids .

@paul.ferris Yes! I had the most amazing meal and recovery while enjoying myself at the outside seating of that last restaurant leaving Molenseca. In the middle of the day no less I was served the pilgrims menu. When I finished the chef appeared on the patio, slung his towel over his grand shoulder as if he was asking how was it? I stood up and bowed, then clapped. He smiled and I was off to Ponferrada feeling energized, all those boulders and moments of fear I would fall forgotten.

In September of 2017 I came across a group of women surrounding a pilgrim who had tripped and fallen a few kilometers back from where this photo was taken (approaching El Acebo de San Miguel). She was face down and in severe pain. We helped her roll over and eventually sit up and then stand. We administered what first-aid we could, to clean her scrapes, but the sharp wincing when she took deep breaths was beyond our help. We carried her pack and helped her to the next road crossing. There she called her albergue to get help with a taxi - but before she could finish her request, one appeared on the road. The driver kindly stopped and took her and her hiking partner to town.
Earlier on my trek another pilgrim showed me pictures of her hiking partner who in early September took a spill coming down from Alto del Perdon, and broke her arm, ending her Camino for 2017.
Pilgrims have been getting hurt on the Camino since its beginning. We definetly have a much easier trek than those who have gone before. I appreciate the hard work of the Spanish people and the volunteers who work to facilitate a safe pilgrimage. As the Camino Frances becomes more popular, sections like this will be improved. Other routes are available to those who prefer the rustic challange.
I like how most of the posts on this thread are not complaining - we are pilgrims, not tourists.
One last note: the paved road is in view of much of this section. The pilgrim has the choice between troubles with the walking surface or trouble dodging vehicles.