May 21, 2015 Day 26 - Villafranca --> Herrerias - approx. 22 K
Left Villafranca at approx. 7:45 am for our shortened hiking day. The temps were quite cool, and we had donned our coats for at the least the start of the walk. However, it was a clear, bright blue sky.
We selected the easiest option for the day, which ran alongside Highway N-IV. It was fairly flat most of the day running through a valley. Although we were on a main road, there was a sturdy concrete barrier separating the pilgrims from the highway. A bubbling stream ran alongside most of the day as well. This route ran through many small towns, which provided many opportunities to stop and rest.
The last town before our planned stop was Ruitelan. Just as we were walking up to a bar/cafe, I saw Chris, sitting at a table eating an ice cream. I yelled at her and she jumped up and ran over with a big smile and hug. We visited for a few moments, and she said that she hoped to be able to walk with us some tomorrow. We'll see.
We continued on the last couple of kilometers and arrived at our hostel at about 12:30 pm. Very cute and perched next to a large meadow at the bottom of the hills. Stunning view.
We walked up the street to a neighboring cafe for lunch and had an outstanding pilgrim's meal of lasagna. Delicious. There were several friendly cats to entertain us, and the waitress was outstanding.
While we were dining, a young man came and posted some info re massages. I picked up on the foot massage option, and asked if he was available and how much. To make a long story short, he returned to our hostel with us and I got a foot/leg and back massage. He was very good, so I got him to give Donna a massage as well. Hopefully, this will assist my walking tomorrow, since we are looking at about 25 K.
Late afternoon, we spent some time trying to line up a room for tomorrow night in Biduedo - a very small village with few options. The wi-if where we are staying is very poor, and we were having difficulty getting info. Donna's attempt to call and communicate with one of the hostels was unsuccessful as the lady spoke no English. As we sat there contemplating what to do next, the owner of our hostel walked in and I asked if he knew of any places to stay in Biduedo. To make a long story short, he ended up calling the lady back and getting a reservation for a room for us tomorrow night. Donna and I both sighed relief.
My left foot held up through most of the walk today, although it was starting to get a little iffy towards the end of the day. I am trying to elevate and rest as much as possible before tomorrow. Also, I have taken to sending my backpack ahead with Donna's to take as much weight as possible off my feet, and because we do have a longer day tomorrow. It is really weird how I get up and the foot feels fairly good, but as the day wears on, and particularly near the end, it is sometimes all I can do to walk to the place we are staying. Next morning, feels pretty good again...
If we catch up from our shortened day and get back on schedule the next few days, we are supposed to arrive on Santiago one week from today. In some ways, hard to believe we are already almost there. Stayed tuned.
Been Camino!
Kim
