Villafranca Del Bierza – Laguna De Castilla 26km
Back on my feet again today and feeling much better. First 3km were hard for me but after that the motor kicked in and I was cruising along. Much of the way today was along roadside so not a lot to see, but I did catch some nice views
Walked to the edge of a town and seen some horses being walked along the street. A female peregrino got herself mounted on a horse with the help of the owner, or should I say struggle! The poor horse was silently screaming inside and did not look comfortable at all with the woman on top as well as her backpack. Needless to say it wasn’t long til I saw the woman back walking on the trail.
I stopped at a cafe where Jonathon from Taiwan was relaxing with a coffee. We had a quick chat before he moved on. I noticed he had left his water bottle behind so took it to him further up the trail. The trail suddenly got real steep. The new walking sticks were put to good use as I relentlessly marched up the mountain to the alberge La Escuela. Just below O Cebreiro. I met Bengt from Sweden along the way and later at the bar where we had a few pints together with a German called Constantine. We all watched the FA cup together on my phone.
We all went together for dinner with another South Korean and also met a couple from South Africa who told me great things about the Fisterre and Muxia trip I have planned the day after I reach Santiago.
I’m really enjoying the company I have on this last stage of the Camino. Theres too many to mention, but we keep meeting up at various points and we all like a good beer/wine or two.
There seems to be a herd of cows/bulls roaming about freely at the albergue giving the odd moo. Or that could be the albergue owners father who has been drinking since 10am this morning and is handing out tapas to everybody who comes within sight of him. 🤣🤣 I think the son is also a little tipsy as he keeps charging for beers and then forgetting to pour them 🙈. Hi boy, wheres me beer ye cunt ye!
Its bed time now and Bengt is lying like a dead man in the adjacent bed. Might give him a poke with me walking stick to see if he reacts 🤨
Tomorrow we have a wee climb to O Cebreiro then its all downhill to Triacastella. Roughly 24km. Should only take about 4-5 hours. Including breakfast time and a beer stop.
Still can’t get me head round goin to bed before 10pm. Its light as day outside and I’m wrapped up in my sleeping bag trying to write this before I fall asleep! Gute Nacht everyone! 😘
El Camino de Santiago 