Day 22 Camponaraya to Trabadelo

Day 22 Camponaraya to Trabadelo 25 km

A few kilometres outside Camponaraya, the landscape changed to rolling hills, patches of forest and farmland.

I stopped for coffee in the pleasant village of Cacabelos, a former administrative centre for 5th century gold mining.

Now my journey was in the Bierzo wine region, with a landscape of vineyards, mixed groves and cherry trees as far as you could see.

I arrived in Villafranca del Bierzo at lunchtime, but instead of stopping for tapas I decided to continue on my journey.
The path was wedged between a rock-strewn, fast running, clear water stream and a busy road. Such a contrast.

Throughout my pilgrim walk, everyone exchanges medical remedies and pharmaceutical products. I would purchase a heat gel for my muscles and use it for a few days then pass it on to someone in need. One pilgrim received cream from Swedish walkers then passed it on to me. A Spaniard gave me some anti-inflammatory ointment and I gave him antiseptic spray to apply on a small tear in his skin, etc. This is a genuine, albeit rare, instance of exemplary and sincere international cooperation that is free from any hidden motives.Read more