No tourists, locals or pilgrims in the Plaza Mayor when we left El Campano and walked through old Villafranca del Bierzo at 7:30 this morning.We finally passed a pilgrim going slower than us as we crossed the Rio Buria.Looking back on Villafranca and the Rio Burbia.Walking by the Rio Valcarce as we left Villafranca and began the walk through the mountain pass.Old section and new section (added in 2024) to make Camino safer for pilgrims for the 1 mile section from here to the motor vehicle barrier section of paved walkway to Trabadelo.This is what it looked like as we walked along the motor vehicle barrier to Trabadelo (~5 miles).
The next 5 miles can be unappealing if the focus is on the barrier, traffic seamingly endless switchbacks through the pass. Today we focused on the scenery only, to make it more interesting.
Rio Valcarce
We walked through Pereje and were plesantly surprised to see Las Coronas open once again after being closed for nearly 5 years. It’s a great stop 3.5 miles from Villafranca and the only services until Trabadelo.
Las Coronas in Pereje – bar/restrooms on right, terrace service across the streetNew interior of Bar Las Coronas in PerejeRio Valcarce and bridge just past PerejeVery old chestnut trees along the walk into Trabadelo.Our Hostal in Trabdelo: Novaruta
It being our 4 visit to Novaruta, our hosts recognized us and shortly had our room available before noon, vs the normal 2:00 p.m, checkin.
Ensalada rusa for Linda, Garbanzo stew for Jim. Paired with an excellent Bierzo/Mencía wine.Roasted marinated chicken for Linda, Braised pork knuckles for Jim.
We finished our main meal in the dining room around 3:00, then spent a restful afternoon and evening.
Jimandi 