24 September 2018
16.0 miles in 6 hours 36 minutes (including breaks)
Today's journey took us across a rolling countryside of vineyards with grapes ready to harvest. Part of the walk was on paved roads, the rest was on dirt roads winding through the vineyards.
Villafranca was a welcome relief when we finally arrived. The owners of the hostel could see how tired and sweaty we were, so they suggested we go and cool off before checking in by soaking our tired feet in the icy cold river nearby. What a great relief - it brought us back to life!
Tomorrow our journey continues to the base of the next mountains as we move into the region of Galicia.
Early morning we left our hotel before the sun was up.
Along the route we grabbed a typical Spanish breakfast - egg and potato quiche (which they call a 'tortilla') and super-thick hot chicolate.
Unique signs mark the way.
People still live in this home. I'm not so sure I would go out on the balcony!
Every town has a water fountain for passing pilgrims. You can tell that some of these fountains have been here for centuries.
Rolling hills with their vineyards of grapes almost ready for harvest.
Almost every hillside had a vineyard.
Grapes almost ready for harvest.
Workers were in their fields, trimming their grape vines. When I got off the trail to take some pictures of the grapes, one of the workers yelled out, "Hey, they are stealing our grapes!" I just got out of the vineyard and continued down the path, ignoring their accusation.
We reached the city of Villafranca with its impressive castle. It was destroyed by the French in the 1800's and is still under reconstruction.
Puerta de Perdón (the Door of Forgiveness) in Villafranca's Iglesia de Santiago was entered by pilgrims too sick to continue to Santiago de Compostela. They could walk through this door in lieu of completing the pilgrimage and still receive the same indulgences for their journey.
A nice cool river awaited us when we got to town.
Soaking our hot and tired feet was one of the best experiences of the day.
One of my courses for dinner was an incredible local bean and sausage soup they call Fabada. I should have ordered two bowls of this because it was so good!
Every village, no matter how small, has a church. In many of these poor villages, the church is the best building in town. We often go in if the church is unlocked. The altar in this church looked like it was in a cave or grotto.
We have made really good progress on our journey from León to Santiago de Compostela. We just pray our feet and legs can continue to bear the abuse.
Progress Map
Ha ha ha- my dad, the accused grape thief! I bet the river soak felt amazing! Glad you're holding up. I liked the pictures of the details of your trip. It made this post very real!
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