We made it to our intended destination. The base of the next mountain so we can have the steep climb in the am. This morning when we started at 6:30 it was 5 C but we have gained elevation now and the owner of this house says it was 3 C this morning. We have a few more layers to put on and the first part should be through the woods so maybe protected from the wind.
This morning the first couple hrs were through the vineyards then the dirt trail dropped us down into Villafranca 5,000 population and late enough for coffee bars to be open for breakfast. There was also the 12th century Church of Santiago with it's "door of Forgiveness" Back then In case Pilgrims were to ill or unable to go all the way to Santiago they could receive absolution at the north door. I took a picture of Al at the door.
After breakfast we took the shortest option in routes that followed a river up though the valley with several interesting towns. Many small gardens with the predominant veggies being huge white onions and brussel sprouts. One town had a saw mill and stacked cut wood drying right by the road side. Today the trees were mostly huge chestnut trees still a few polar trees. I never knew chestnut trees could get so big.
Well, showered and warmed by the late after noon sun, clothes already dried and feet (heels and ankles are wrapped in ace wraps and Al and I are relaxing in are double bed... Only 9 other people in our room tonight.
Some of us are having a vegetarian dinner the owner is cooking. She did the Camino a few years ago and stayed, bought this house and turned it into an albergue. Her significant other did the Camino last year, stayed here, met her and stayed. She is from Barcelona and he is from Chicago. Now they run this delightful place.
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