Scenery Shifts

The predictable Meseta has been left behind, replaced with vineyards, hot challenging climbs, and descents into cloud shrouded forests.

Highlights of Villa Del Bierzo:

Hiking beside miles of beautifully tended vineyards to reach the village

Lunch and chat with Sandra

Formal gardens in town center

Noticing all of the renovation of churches and historic buildings

A rest day!😴

Leaving at dawn and gazing back on the village

Getting to the village of O Cebreiro proved to be a challenge. I climbed from an elevation of 1,679 ft. to 4,256 ft. in 18+ miles. It wasn’t too bad until it got really warm during the steepest climb which came at the end of the hike. My legs were like spaghetti as I stumbled to my hotel. I’m glad that’s my last major ascent!

Midway through the hike I caught up with DJ from St. Louis. We met several days ago and it was nice to chat over lunch and share stories of our hikes.

After all of that climbing I turned right around today and descended…4,002 ft. down to Triacastella. I noticed that this pilgrim statue was sporting similar sandals. His feet also looked equally worn.

Six days to Santiago! I plan to savor each one.

Buen Camino. ❤️🥾🇪🇸