Villafranca to O’Cebreiro

18 Miles

Today we move from Leon to Galicia over a mostly level walk until the end. Then it’s a long, steep climb to what seems to be the top of the world! Dale was able to walk the entire way, but I walked about halfway and taxied up the mountain as my shinsplints in the left (other) leg took a hard tweak as we were leaving our breakfast stop about 10k in. I walked slowly to the last town with a farmacia, where the farmacist recommended a magnesium/vitamin B combo to take, and called me a taxi. 

My driver was a lovely gentleman who had walked the camino himself.  He pointed out other towns along the way and used Google translate to tell me interesting facts about the area and O’Cebreiro. The views were breathtaking and I could see Leon province on one side and Galicia on the other. I hope my leg will let me wander around town a bit!

These round structures with thatched roofs were used to house both people and animals for warmth

Our hostess at the Alberguia Frade was so kind, greeting me sympathetically and, when she had no ice, provided me with max electrolyte tablets for my muscles! Our place for the night is beautiful! More like a house than an albergue or hostal, with a living room and dining room.

But…my backpack wasn’t delivered. So…Irene started calling, and checking with other albergues to see if it was delivered. No luck. Later, she suggested we check at the bar next door as sometimes a lot of packs are delivered there. And by golly, there it was! Relief!! To celebrate we opened a bottle of wine we had purchased yesterday.

We enjoyed a great meal and being in the church for the end of mass. Simple and beautiful!  A final cup of coffee, prep for tomorrow, and bed!

Camino signs on the bridge out of Villafranca
Pilgrim statue
Signs in Villafranca
Cool morning walk along a river
Loved this hanging sign outside this bar
Falls along the river
Looking down along it from a bridge
Two streams coming together
Flowing under an arched stone bridge...one of many!
Old and new
And Blue!
This was a bit odd. Saddled horses grazing...
Rest area with water fountain
Cows are everywhere in Galicia.
Climbing higher
Along a winding road
Peak in the distance
La Faba...one of two villages on the ascent.
The hills are so much greener in Galicia
Really getting up there!
Road covered with loose rocks
And higher!
Rocky path keeps on going
Green valleys
Galician way marker
The official way marker
Topographical map of the Camino in Galicia
Along a stone wall
Marker in Lugo...almost to O'Cebreiro
These round structures with thatched roofs were used to house both people and animals for warmth
Peregrina waiting at the top.of the final climb into O'Cebreiro
These round structures with thatched roofs were used to house both people and animals for warmth
So high up it feels like the top of the world!
Our pension with Irene and our friend Elaine sitting out front
Living room/dining room
With fireplace!
View from the back of the room
Pilgrim statue...we'll see the original tomorrow.
Up the street view
Church where we attended the end of pilgrim mass
Main altar...simply holy
Sunset as we leave the church
Camino signs on the bridge out of Villafranca
Aperture: 2.2
Camera: SM-G991U
Iso: 2500
Orientation: 1