The Last of the Long Walks

Then all of a sudden it was 9 days left. Single figures seemed a distant thing for so long but now here we are. I really need to make even more effort to take in every day now as it feels as though we will be in Santiago in no time at all.

The temperature at 07:00 was 18 degrees compared to yesterday's 7 degrees, however the forecast was for guaranteed rain for most of the day. And the forecast didn't disappoint, it rained solidly until around midday then we had 3 or 4 minute breaks and then it would start again. A couple of places were impassable, particularly under a bridge, but having looked, there was no way round so just had to walk through it. Then had to take my shoes off to pour the water out and ring out my insoles and socks. Once the remaining water warmed up my feet felt quite cosy.

Fortunately today was relatively flat but we still didn't get into the hotel until 14:45. After yesterday's exploits and a 20 mile walk today we were both feeling quite tired. We'd also got in too late for lunch, most places close at 15:30, so had to wait until 18:30 when the odd restaurant reopened. A lot of restaurants in less touristy areas of Spain don't even open until around 20:30 for dinner. I was hoping to be in bed for that time.

One observation we've made is that on the days when the weather is terrible you seem to see far fewer people walking. Some people do take transport over several stages. Whether that's for injury or illness, time constraints or just wanting to only walk through the more interesting areas. So a good day to do that would definitely be on days like today.

Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo
Distance: 20.29 miles
Time: 7hrs 25 mins
Speed: 2.7 mphRead more