DAY 29 : SPAIN : CACABELOS to TRABADELO - 21.2 kms - 6.5 hours

Distance walked in France and Spain so far : 1343.3 kms (63 days)
Weather : misty rain, overcast : 11o

Our destination today was Trabadelo

 

Bit of a climb today but it was worth it for the views from
Pena Roldan (930 m)
 

 

Cacebelos has a population of 5,000. It is an attractive
town with lots of accommodation and pride in its local
wines. This is an old mill house over the fast flowing
Rio Cua.

 

It is Sunday and the guns were blasting as we entered
the countryside. This farmer and his faithful dogs
were successful in shooting some rabbits.

 

Autumn colours over the vineyards with the impending
weather coming in from the west.

 

We passed through the town of Villafranca del Bierzo.
It has a population of 5,000 and was a major centre for
pilgrims who wanted dispensation but could not reach
Santiago.

 

 

We made a quick ascent from Villafranca - hard work- then
we enjoyed the view along the valley. We descended to
Trabadelo through massive chestnut forests.

 

Families were out collecting chestnuts and some roasting
them on ad hoc fires in the forest.

 

Our accommodation tonight is a private albergue - 6 euros
each. Trabadelo is no more than a highway truck stop but the
albergue is perfect and the local restaurant/ bar has
all that we need -warmth, reasonable menu, interesting characters
 and wifi. Tomorrow  we have  another large climb and we are in a
 sensible  situation to  reduce the impact by having a shorter day today.

 

Mark had pulpo (octopus) for dinner - a specialty of this
Galician area.

 

 

 

M&M

4/10/12

Our email address : mm_smith@bigpond.net.au