After a good nights sleep we leave Villafranca through the narrow back lanes and out on to the main road.
This is a long flat boring section of the Camino until we get to
Herrerias were we start our climb up and over the Vacarce Valley in to
Galicia proper.
We pass through the small village of Sotogatoso.
It is overcast and humid, we didn't get the downpour we were expecting last night.
We dodge the motorway which runs high above us as we pass through Vega de Valcarce.
Now we start our climb at Herrerias.
It will be the steepest climb of the whole Camino.
At Laguna de Castilla we are only ¾ of the way up.
But stop for a snack and a breather.
We are relieved it is not as hot as yesterday.
It is endless and getting steeper. I am amazed at how fit we have both become.
Although we are carrying 10kg on our backs, we stride out and enjoy the views.
We are glad we spent time researching the right gear and what to take, however you always take too much.
The right footwear is the most essential and we both selected Saloman hiking shoes which have been brilliant.
Almost there.
We made it, an ascent of 2300ft over 30km in just under 8 hours. We both feel very relieved and proud.
And the old fella made it (in front of me I have to confess).
We arrive in O'Cebreiro. The church “Inglesia de Santa Maria Real”
dating, in part, from the 9th Century and oldest exting church
associated directly with the Camino.
O'Cebreiro has administered the
needs of the pilgrims since the 1st Millenium.
Inside the church are two friars that live in the village.
Our Hostel for the night is Meson Catolo, very neat and tidy with a bar and restaurant which we will try later.
Tomorrow we head for Triacastela, all downhill and only 21km, might even get a lay in.
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