Way harder than expected! Full Camino Frances with Kids: Day 25

In April 2024 we walked from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela as a family of five.
Camino Update Day #25
We pulled ourselves out of bed this morning and began what would become the hardest day of our entire Camino experience. The clouds and drizzle were a foreshadowing of what would come.
We passed cows, cats, horses, and a castle. After stopping and consuming coffee and cake, we began the long slog to the top of the mountains that separate El Bierzo from Galicia. At times I had to take the stroller up paved roads because of the mud and rocks, at other times we just muscled it up. We kept climbing and climbing. Thankfully our tire kept going flat all day which gave me breaks from pushing so I could frantically try to pump it up and make it another half kilometer. I have a new appreciation for the Greek figure, Sisyphus, pushing the stone up the hill and watching it roll back down.
We made it to Galicia and the historic village of O Cebreiro and ordered plates of eggs, bacon, ham, and bread. The kids powered it down, and then we kept hiking. Up, up, up. It never seemed to stop.
I can honestly say that I have never experienced a physical strain like this in any of my ultra running experience. It was at a whole new level with the cart and the kids. But we made it, and I am very proud of each of them. Crystal kept the kids moving and I tried to keep the cart moving. Over thirty kilometers (18.74 miles) of hiking and 192 flights of stairs climbed.
We made it to the final peak, stopped for some electrolyte drinks, and then tried to finish off the last 3 km. Then it started to rain. Then sleet. Then small hail. We made it into the albergue soaked and frozen, but alive. Thankful this is one of the nicest places we have stayed yet. We need a good rest. Snow is in the forecast and the host said it has already started.
Number of times I had to stop and pump up the tire: probably 8. I lost count.
Number of steps: 41,207
Next stop: Sarria
Percentage Completed: 81.5

[@BIKESnSKILLETS]

With kids 😮

[@markdonovan1540]

That was a tough climb for you guys, your children did superbly well and definitely earned their O Cebreiro coins! You guys walk some long stages, I did this one from Villafranca-del-Bierzo, where I stayed overnight at my cousin's house, and stopped at La Faba. I went the rocky path way, which was a bit brutal on the knees and ankles.

[@sethgrotzke]

you are right! they did great. we love the town of Villafranca as well! the rocky path is not easy, especially when they cows have passed earlier.