Camino Map

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Stage 25 Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo (29 km. -- perfect temp 20 degrees)



We left Ponferrada equiped with headlamps, followed the markers and lighted pathway until we hit the 200 km marker!!! It is hard to believe that we are three quarters of the way to Santiago. The core of Ponferrada seemed tired and run down while the outer areas had beautiful huge homes. There was a noticeable difference between the struggling inner core and the wealthy outer limits. This is different from the other larger centres we have visited which seem to have a fairly vibrant centre.




Everything about today's journey was perfect! The weather pleased everyone, the trail was easy on the feet and there was just enough ups and downs to please Jim and not enough to displease Laurel and I. We walked along rivers, through vineyards, picturesque villages, and felt like we were above the clouds are times. I had the opportunity to buy a baguette from a baker's truck that delivers fresh baked goods to the villages. Trucks drive up and down the street honking their horn to alert the townspeople of their arrival much the same as our ice-cream trucks. We also stopped at an unique coffee shop where Jim enjoyed his second cup and Laurel and I drank fresh watermelon juice-Delicious!

'The fruits of some one's labour and a taste of the stolen'
We are certainly back into wine country however there are many other kinds of fruit grown in families' yards. Below you will see grapes, pears, peaches, cherries, limes, unknown but surely a fruit, passion fruit and I threw in one blooming potato plant for my mom. We also tasted some of this fruit when one of us happened upon cherries close to the path.