Laza to Villar de Barrio

I did not want to get up, I was so warm and comfortable in bed, but then I remembered that whilst it was only 20km today, there was a mountain to get over. So, I got up, packed my bag and by 0710 I was on the road. I walked as far as the little village at the foot of the mountain and had some refreshments, just then Jan arrived and we set off up the mountain together.

I found it a lot more difficult than I expected, I wondered if yesterday's long walk had probably taken more out of me than I had realised. When you are walking, especially on a long stage, you just keep going, its when you stop that your body rebels. I had climbed steeper and higher mountains on this trek, but not after doing 40km, and my hips began to hur and I slowed down quite a bit, i fact I lost sight of Jan.

I wa svery relived to reach the road at the top and see the sign of Albergueria. Jan was at the famous cafe with the shells, and I went in and placed my order then went outside to sit with Jan and chat for a short while. When Jan got ready to leave we said our goodbyes, as there was a good chance we would not see each other again, I was only going as far as Villar de Barrio, but she was pressing on to Xunqueira. I have enjoyed her company, she is an interesting person.

Coffee finished, I signed my shell and handed it to the barman who hung it in the appropriate place (see the pictures attached) and then set off for the long descent into Villar. When I got there the albergue wasn't quite open so I went for a coffee, then got signed in and selected my bed. The albergue here is very nice and very modern, the room is a little bit tights for space but there is a social area, and there is a little kitchen with a microwave. The showers are not great but they are ok. There is also a washing machine and a dryer, still worth every euro. As it was Saturday I hurried off to the supermarket before it closed and replenished my food stocks, getting extra as i expect the shops to be closed tomorrow.

i found a bar that was open and did a menu del dia, I was the only pilgrim in the albergue and the only person in the bar, the owner was outside with a large group of people, I think they were mainly family, but they were happy to leave me in the bar eating a very nice meal, and watching the Euros football on a large TV screen, Türkiye vs Portugal.

I went back to the albergue to find that I was still the only pilgrim there, I was glad of the peace and quiet.Read more