Ponferrada to Villafranka Del Bierzo and Beyond
The trek to Villafranka was over hill & dale. mostly through vineyards. The last 3 miles of the 14 mile journey was in pouring rain…..our pastel ponchos proved their worth!
Villafranka is a small pueblo with a population of 5000. Many pre 1800s homes are still being used.
This photo was taken as we left Villafranka on Monday headed for La Portella de Valcarce
This was a short trip of a little less than 9 miles. We had planned one rest day per 7 days. We took a rest day in Villafranka. We decided to forgo our last rest day in favor of reducing some of our future mileage.
Here is an old Pueblo (Trabadello ) that we stopped at to take a short rest break.
This is a 9th century church that is still in use by the local congregation. It is now under the care of the Jesuits. (You will have to ask Father O’ Mahoney if this was a good or bad move!)
Here are some photos of the original building in Trabadello.
This is a small hospital for pilgrims. We have passed many old Pilgrim’s hospitals over the past month dating from the 11th century.
Angie says “who needs a pilgrim’s hospital when you can self medicate!
Tomorrow is a big day that we are really looking forward to. John & Jan McCann are driving up from Lyon to a remote hilltop pueblo named Ruitelan to join us for lunch! Can’t wait although we will probably get more homesick than we already are.
We received a voice mail from Debbie Salcedo. Alex & Debbie reached Santiago de Compostella on the 17th. They walked over 60 miles to get there! BRAVO!
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
Love your posts and the news and photos. We are in Southwest France and it is really cold and rainy…..I am so sorry you do not have good hiking weather. I read about your mileage and think, wow, I bet I myself must’ve walked at least a mile today……..oh, well, I guess I’m not quite in your league. I am so proud of you both for this pilgrimage and your grit to keep going. My thoughts are with you and I am very happy for your success. I hope you don’t grow moss on your feet what with all the rain.
May 20, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Angie, I like the way you think. We don’t need no stinkin’ hospitals! Just pass the vino!
May 20, 2013 at 8:51 pm
Hi Mike and Angie,
Looking good Angie I see what self medication is, looks like I need to start doing the same. Mike all is done with insurance !!! So stay dry and enjoy.
Steve and Patty
May 20, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Buon Venuto!
May 20, 2013 at 10:22 pm
The wine glasses look pretty hefty ! You look great Angela , enjoy your lunch with your friends it will be great to have a touch of home! Looking forward to your next update. Love Mom
May 20, 2013 at 10:34 pm
What a great pour on the wine!!
How is their wine???
….Mark
May 21, 2013 at 12:17 am
Hi Mark, Their average table wine would be equivalent to a 15 dollar Napa. Their $15 bottle would be a $30 to $40 Napa…..very nice. Mark, to answer one of your previous questions, Yes, I am using my cell phone (Samsung Android, Note 2) for all posting & photos to the blog. Using the one finger method! After today’s big hill climb, We will be 96.4 miles from Santiago de Compostella. Excitement is building! Mike
“Mike & Angie
May 21, 2013 at 6:38 am
Blessings to you guys and know how much we love hearing from you every day. Sure that you guys are fit as a fiddle by now!
May 21, 2013 at 12:38 am
Love the wine!!!
May 21, 2013 at 6:49 am
Having done only 120 kilometers in our 6 days to SDC from Tui on Camino Portuguese, we are totally and completely amazed by what you both have persevered through!!!!
Yes, the wine IS the best way to go..it is unbelievably good AND cheap!
Having so few miles to go, I can only say that I was sooo excited to reach Santiago by the end, that I did the last 25 kilometers in 5 1/2 hours plus 20 minutes for a few pit stops.
We so wish we could be there to share that emotional experience with you….you can be so very, very proud.
By the way, when you go to the pilgrim’s office to get your compostela, the first gentleman you will see upstairs is selling the tubes for 1 euro each to protect you certificate: he is from Santa Barbara, Frank Chacone (sp?), and he has been a volunteer there since April after retiring as a fireman in downtown SB….small world!!
Love and prayers for a ‘Buen Camino’!!!! Debbie & Alex
May 21, 2013 at 10:35 pm
Dear Ones…..You do look a whole lot better, Angie. I cannot say enough about how beautiful it is there and to thank Mike for his fabulous photography. Truly I feel as though we are taking this trip vicariously through you ! You are missed, so hurry home. My prayers are still with you both. xx Jane
May 22, 2013 at 5:23 pm