Day 20. Villafranca to Laguna

Again there is not enough room for the full departure and arrival places.
Villafranca del Bierzo to Laguna de Castilla. 28.56km. Altitude of 1150.
Yet again a long day. Our various Apps and guide book said 26km but an extra 2.5km somehow materialized. Our first day of rain. Not heavy but enough to get wet. Still warm so not really uncomfortable. Our route took us through a narrow river valley with a major motorway parallel. A major feat of engineering with multiple viaducts. NZ could do with some similar roads. We had been told that today's section was the toughest on the whole Camino but it was really only the last 7km that was challenging. A long uphill drag in the rain. I like hills so enjoyed the extra effort required. Tall Paul kept up a good pace which is highly commendable considering his sore shins. In another Camino Angle moment an Australian Physio was staying in the same accommodation and expertly strapped up Paul with fancy tape. He will be a new man on the trail tomorrow. We are in a totally different environment to our earlier sections. Heavy forested with misty mountain tops, clear flowing rivers, dairy cows and many more Spanish Pilgrims.
Some nice chats today. Tall Paul spoke to a woman from Tennessee. Her husband had died from a respiratory illness, ironically just before Covid. She had come over for the Camino with a friend and is having a grand time. We had meet a couple from Tennessee in our first week. Due to our failing memories we couldn't remember there names so they became Cougar and Rattlesnake. Our new Tennessee friend found this highly amusing.
After 23 nights in different accommodation we are getting a tad tired of the unpacking/repacking routine so looking forward to staying 2 nights in one local. This will happen soon.
Sadly, today we parted ways with our Spanish Angle. Bea was having issues with her knee and decided to catch a bus. She is now 2 days ahead of us. A beautiful woman filled with joy and a radiant smile. We still owe her a beer which will never be forgotten.Read more