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- Day 20
- Monday, October 8, 2018
- ☀️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 903 m
SpainRío Castro42°3’15” N 6°37’47” W
Mombuey to Puebla de Sanabria

Mombuey to Puebla de Sanabria
Distance 31 kms (7.5 hours)
Last night, our little band (5) of peregrinos settled down in our little basic Albergue. It was flipping freezing. We are at 1000m altitude. I eventually dropped off asleep after being woken up by spasms in my feet. I have tendinitis in my left leg and it hurts.....
This morning, someone’s alarm went off and with all the bags rustling, doors slamming, head torches in your face, there seemed like little point in feigning sleep. We all got up.
I packed my kit, wrapped up well and stepped out into the freezing cold. As my left leg was in a lot of pain, I made the conscious decision to walk the first 17 kms on the road thereby avoiding the trail. The others set out before me and it was apparent that Laura from Sardinia was lost. She eventually just followed me. As dawn rose a few hours later, she stopped and questioned me in an Italian accent ‘Mick, this is NOT the Camino!’ ‘I know but it’s the quickest way to get to the next village and you can’t see anything on the Camino in the dark.’
We arrived in the village (17kms) at 09.00am and relaxed. My ankle was badly swollen. By 10am, Carlos and Ankel (the fast peregrinos) appeared. They had got lost in the dark. I had breakfast with them and found a Pharmacy to get some anti inflammatory cream.
The Camino then meandered it’s way through stunning countryside. I really enjoyed the Camino. It was beautiful. I listened to music on my iPod. The last few kilometres were tough as the medication grew off.
I arrived at the Albergue Casa Luz. It is wonderful. Admin quickly completed, I was out the door for something to eat.
I caught up with Carlos and Ankel. We had a traditional Zamora meal of pasta soup and indescribable parts of pig. I was so hungry I ate everything put in front of me.
Tomorrow, I have taken the decision to take a train to Ourense and relax for a few days to get my leg rest and heel. I will then carry on to Santiago.
And that was my 19th day on the Via de la Plata and Camino Sanabrés.Read more
TravelerGood decision. Soak your bag of bones in the thermal springs of Ourense. I can recommend the bar on the north end of the Roman Bridge (on the right). Food is basic but good.
Mick ByrneThanks Mike. I am sat with a glass of rioja and a bag of ice on my leg.