Molinaseca - Villafranca del Bierzo

Almost the longest walk today on the Camino in a trek that took us from city walking (through the sprawl of Ponferrada) up to the vineyards of Bierzo and our destination at Villafranca. It was a hard day's walk, especially on all the roads, and nearly everyone we bumped into and ourselves had some kind of foot injury by the end of it (a blister for me, but it was swiftly compeeded!)

Near the end of today's route there was a split between the 'new' and 'old' Way with the original route taking a winding wander through the vineyards - so of course we went for that. The route was lovely, but it also meant an extra four kilometres and having to go up and over several hills so we were very tired by the time we actually arrived at Villafranca.

Luckily for us the albergue we were aiming for was just on the left as we wandered into town, hiding behind the church you can see on the left of today's Blip. The albergue was probably the most unique we stayed in, it is called the Ave Fenix as it stands on the site of an albergue that burned down. The hospitality was good and friendly and taking part in the communal meal (with a prayer for pilgrims that scared some of our group!) meant we met some of the other walkers properly for the first time.

Fellow Camino Blippers:
Footbreak by Owen
Vineyards by Mark

The Camino Blipfolio:
Second Entry - Towers - I was fascinated by the way many of the Spanish churches had external belltowers with ladders and platforms for the ringers - this is probably the best example I saw.