A Steep Old Climb

I slept really well last night, a combination of a very nice bed in the parador we stayed in and the exertions of the last couple of days meant a very sound night's sleep.

Today's walk was a slight incline for 13 miles and then a 3.5 mile steep climb, up 450m. The initial 13 miles was quite straight forward but then came the climb. The first half averaged around 20% for one kilometre, our average speed dropped from 3mph to well below 2mph but were just glad to get through it. The 2nd half eased to around 10%, though we were more than happy to finally reach our accommodation.

Laguna, at 1,150m, has a resident population of 20 people, the only business is the hostel where we stayed. Restaurant, bar and accommodation, they have everything sown up. Though at €3,30 for a large beer, and €14 for a 3 course meal with half a bottle of wine, they weren't trying to fleece the punters.

Around 7pm we went to the bar for quick drink only to meet an Irish guy and a Canadian who I'd chatted to as we left Villafranca this morning. Then Matt joined us, a guy we'd met on our second day, and before you knew it they were mopping the floors and chucking us out at 21:30. A late night by pilgrim standards!

Villafranca to Laguna de Castilla
Distance: 16.64 miles
Time: 6hrs 5mins
Speed: 2.7 mphBaca lagi