Camino de Santiago - Day 19

Mercadoiro to  Outskirts of Ligonde - 23.5 km

We spent much of the day walking through mountain fields lined in stacked stones.  This region gets considerably more rainfall than many of the areas we have passed through so is quite lush and green.  The landscape looks much like what you might imagine fields in Ireland would look like.  It turns out that this area was actually settled by Celtic tribes and still retains similar foods and Celtic folk music. Spain is amazing in its diversity of culture along with many distinct dialects and cuisines.   We feel so lucky to be here and are having a great time but we're also ready to be done hiking. It is starting to rain much more and temperatures seem to be cooling quickly.

Camino de Santiago - Day 18

  Hospital to Mercadoiro 24km

It was another long day.  We started on the outskirts of a medium sized town.  When passing through town we saw a sports supply store.  We decided to go in and look around because I (Solomon) had been considered getting some new shoes.  We thought their was no chance they would have a pair in his size.  However it turned out they had a pair of Salomon trail running shoes on sale in his size.  The prices were so good Rachel ended up getting a pair too.  With new shoes we both felt some improvement but there are no miracles.  Feet continue to be our greatest challenge.   We finished the day late at around 6:00 exhausted after a long day in mountainous terrain.  We are getting close to the finish with only 4-5 days left and are looking forward to some relaxing.  :)

Camino de Santiago - Day 17

It rained intermittently all day. We seemed to get very lucky and dodged all the heavy downfall as it would begin and stop while we were in cafes.  The terrain was beautiful as we walked down from the mountain top through farm pastures lined with rock walls.  Miles passed quickly as we walked and had interesting conversation with Tom whom we had met the previous day.

Camino de Santiago - Day 16

We decided to make the day a rest day.  A day to reflect and relax.   We decided to add some random photos.

Camino de Santiago - Day 15

Vega de Valcarce to Fonfria - 24.5 km

This turned out to be our longest day.  With the time change hear we got out early to begin the long climb back up the mountains.  We would climb over 3000 ft by the end of the day.  The scenery was very beautiful but the trail was also steep. The weather started off overcast and cool but as we maintained steady progress up the mountain we became hot.  By the time we got near the top weather cleared and we enjoyed amazing views across wooded mountain valleys. Feeling good we pressed on but at some point the wheels fell off the wagon and we crawled into a wonderful little Alberque tired and sore.

Camino de Santiago - Day 13

Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo 22 km

Today was a long day which started out very foggy in the city.  We walked all morning through traffic trying to get out of the city.  When we eventually got out of town the sun broke through and we walked through beautiful vineyards in rolling terrain.  It took 15 minutes for us to go from wearing down jackets to t-shirts.  We happily walked late into the afternoon with birds chirping and sun shining.

Camino Frances Map

Here is a map of our route! Our journey started in Burgos. Right now we are just short of Ocebreiro. I'm excited about how far we have come! I think we have around 170 km to go!