We have walked over 600kms, but only 19km today. 10 kms, up and over a mountain took us 4 hours. So much up and up, and so much UP! And oh sooooo much DOWN. I don't do so well on the down. It was quite a challenge, but oh so rewarding.
Walked to Villafranca first, much of it through vineyards. So much history in all these places. Lex is inspired to reread The Da Vinci Code again.
After Villafranca, we had 3 options.
- The roadway
- The long way round. Long, not much sign posting. Nahhhhh
- Up and over the top. The road less travelled
We took the 'alto' route, or as the sign said 'mas duro'. That it was. The path winds UP through the outskirts of the town. A resident called to us from her lofty deck, ' Mas duro. Despacio. '. We definitely understood what she meant. The path was very steep, but that was only the beginning. It continued up and up and up, for hours. And then across and UP again.
Scenery was stunning. Wildflowers were brilliant. We could see mountains all around, and the path continued UP.
Ultreia... Onward and upward!
Even the highways don't go over the mountains here- there are tunnels through the mountains! Only pilgrims looking for the road less travelled go over the top.... and the power lines.
Only stop in the 4 hours was to check my feet. I felt like I had a fold in my sock... but not so.
Coming down was even harder for me. Toes start to burn, and that's usually a worry. So we pulled up earlier than we planned for the day, and have spent an enjoyable afternoon on the deck of an albergue in Trabedelo, enjoying a few local beverages. Gotta love it here - an ice cream, similar to almond magnum 1.80€, a vino tinto 1.10€ and bowl of delicious olives (gratis).
Feet are fine, but we have a huge hill climb tomorrow, so don't want to take any chances.
Had an enjoyable dinner with an Irish friend. Got into some deep and meaningful discussion about what we are learning from our camino experience. Had the best tomato soup ever... And vegetable lasagne. Delicious.
Notes to self
- 19km Cacabelos to Trabedelo
- Trabedelo Municipal Albergue 5€ each
- Best tomato soup. Need to find out the name of the small restaurant, Santiago is colourful owner
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