Grogan
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francis (April 2015)
19 April 2015 - Cacabelos to La Portela de Valcarce -- 21.7 Kms
After a great night and a solid sleep -- began today's hike pretty fresh -- not too many folks on the route today -- so pretty quiet --
Pushed into Villiafranco -- really neat place -- some stores were open (on a Sunday) so grabbed a couple of oranges and a small loaf of bread -- sat in the center park and had a nice little snack before continuing with the hike.
In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.
Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.
Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.
Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.
Buen Camino
After a great night and a solid sleep -- began today's hike pretty fresh -- not too many folks on the route today -- so pretty quiet --
Pushed into Villiafranco -- really neat place -- some stores were open (on a Sunday) so grabbed a couple of oranges and a small loaf of bread -- sat in the center park and had a nice little snack before continuing with the hike.
In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.
Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.
Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.
Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.
Buen Camino