A glimpse into the journal I kept for all 38 days on the Camino Frances, including up to 10 photos (not necessarily the best pictures but more that they represent that day in some particular way). Today is day 13 – May 3rd. Redecilla to Villafranca Montes de Oca
I’m writing this in a bar of only locals while most of them are playing cards and talking loudly. All are probably working men (1 lady) or retired. The bar doesn’t even serve hot chocolate so got a café con leche. I doubt it will keep me awake tonight, I’m so tired. Just finished wandering what I could see of the town – it straddles a highway that constantly has trucks going up and down. Church is closed today (only opens on Sundays) and that really is the only thing I photographed other than some cats. …
Walk today was pretty good. Spanish flat as usual and on the cool/chilly side. Passed through Beldorado, the biggest town for today. Stopped for a café and tortilla but that’s it. I did see the town’s version of the Hollywood stars and I found one by Emilio and I’m assuming it’s Estevez as he did that Camino movie, The Way. …
I arrived at the Villafranca municipal albergue about 2pm and was about the fourth person there – I scored a bottom bunk! Whoo! Showered, caught up on laundry, had some internet time, and then went out. Just noticed that this bar has a tiny supermarket in the back. It looks and feels almost clandestine – black market? I had to look before leaving and yep, super small and some stuff looks like it isn’t supposed to be sold individually. I bought one of those things – a muffin – as a snack and my black market memento. …
Found the real supermarket, newly opened from siesta time. Got some random things for breakfast (including a tin of pineapple), batteries for my headlamp, and a tiny single packet of olive oil for the tinned tuna I’m toting about. Should have also gotten salt but I have cheese so that should be fine. Went across the stupid truck street to the panaderia where I had to call “Hola!” to get someone to come. I bought a small loaf for breakfast. …
The old church was beautiful. What does that mouse sign mean?
Oooh, black market muffins! Living dangerously!
No idea why the mouse is radio active! it may just be a yield sign and someone put a sticker of the mouse on it…