Day 29 Las Herrerias

Back to the Camino! 20 km over mountains and up the valley. Lori survived her first Camino day. Today included a substantial accent into the mountains surrounding Villafranca del Bierzo. We were rewarded with a great hike void of civilization and some amazing views of Villafranca and the surrounding region. For those asking for pics to prove Lori made it, there are a couple in today’s basket.

While the morning was spent on the hills, the afternoon was spent following the road up the valley through some towns that have been by passed by a freeway. We stopped short of the guide book plan for the day, leaving 8.5 km of a much larger accent for tomorrow when we are fresh. (O Cebreiro)

Our lodging for tonight is an amazing small guest house/ hotel. The restaurant at the hotel tonight rivals any four star restaurant, and perhaps may take the crown for the best meal on the Camino thus far. We had two wonderful fresh salads (a glacian tomato and a mixed greens with a olive oil, mustard, balsamic vinaigrette) that we devoured before realizing a picture would have been a good idea.

For main course Lori had fresh cod, oven baked with tomato sauce and fresh vegetables. I had a beef steak with grilled onions and potatoes. Of course desert was included which was a sampling of cheese cakes coffee, regular and chocolate triple layer….. followed by an espresso.

Are you hungry yet?

I have mentioned before how affordable Spain is. Total for dinner which was on the high end 42 euros, or under $50 USD. Hotel room including breakfast for two $61 euros or about $70.

Prior to this trip I had heard about how wonderful and affordable Spain is and how welcoming they are to Americans. So let me add my voice to those others before me. Visit Spain if you can, you will not be disappointed and your vacation dollars with go a lot farther the you think. Perhaps for less than most vacations in the States.