Camino Day 28: Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall.”
Day 28: 44.9 kms - 48,214 steps
Whoa! Such a long day – so exhausted at the end.
Woke up feeling OK and determined to push on. Weather was good, although we got a late start – breakfast in our hotel was not until 8am.
The first town we came upon, Ponferrada was great. A grand castle of the Knights Templar looms over the town, and it was open, so we spent an hour exploring the castle and its grounds. The town was inviting, and we would have liked to been able to explore more but camino is calling and we have a long walk ahead.
We have moved into a new wine region – Bierzo – and there are several wineries and cellars who offer tastings but it is too hot. By lunchtime the temperature had reached the low 30s and we were feeling it. We pass by a cherry orchard with an old man selling his cherries but we can’t buy anything – its too hot to eat and I cant imagine the cherries surviving in our packs through the afternoon heat. We stop for cold drinks several times but there doesn’t seem to be enough cold water to help us though this very hot stage. What is it like here in Summer?
Finally we make it to our destination – Villafranca. I am so hot and exhausted I can barely climb the stairs. I peel off my boots and feet are covered in a hideous rash – heat rash? Purple and swollen – although I had earlier removed my shoes for half an hour to try to cool them down. Moments after we arrive the heavens open and it pours with rain. Its 6.30pm, by far the latest we have arrived in a town. Our hotel is an intriguing property and has an interesting feature in the bedroom - an ancient sink, made of stone with a drain hole which I assume drained directly out onto the street? I cool off in the shower and we go out into the rain to find dinner. The main square is deserted. We decide to split a pizza and head back to the hotel exhausted.
POSTCARDS FROM Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo
Map of Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo
STAGE FOUR: LEON TO SARRIA
