At the bar this morning we met Natalia, who we had passed a few times but never talked with much. She is an elementary teacher from Switzerland. She was a slow walker, but we were only going 16 km today so we were happy to go slowly, including two bar stops. Today, the Camino was along a frontage road and river and passed through a couple charming towns.
We arrived before noon and bought cheese and bread for a picnic by the river. After that was checking in at the albergue followed by a beer of course--not the first of the day. At the bar they had ice cream so we got the bar tender to make us affogatos.
Apparently refreshed by the afternoon coffee, Grace agreed to hike up the hill to the castle ruins even though we knew it was closed and would only be able to see the outside. It was less than a kilometer but very steep. The views were worth it and Grace is on record saying she was glad she did it.
When we returned to the albergue, Dieter and Nicole, our two German friends who are accidentally on the Camino walked in; they had taken a few rest days in León so had ended up behind us even though they walk 30 km or more per day. All the nearby restaurants were closed so we made dinner with them--our first dinner not from a bar or restaurant for over a month. Grace made a pasta with vegetables and bacon. I made a salad. The Germans made a fruit salad to go with yogurt.
SpanienVillafranca del Bierzo42°36’37” N 6°48’49” W
SpanienVillafranca del Bierzo42°36’37” N 6°48’49” W
ResenärThat looked delicious!
Resenär
Oh my gosh! The pasta looks amazing!
Resenär
The steep ascent was rewarded with a magnificent view!