Alone...With Ferns and Flowers
Day 24 Villafranca to Herrerías Miles today: 14.2 Elevation gain: 1895’ Descent: 1441’ Total walking miles: 287.3 Total Camino miles: 401.8 I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. —Susan Sontag Our walk begins in rain jackets and rain pants. It is a bit warmer this morning at the start with 43 degrees. It is only 10 minutes until the rain began to fall lightly. We pass thru the old town of Villafranca and cross the Burbia River. Immediately we turn right onto the “green route” which is the guidebook designation for a scenic route. Within feet it grows very steep, perhaps the steepest climb of the Camino thus far. The climb is steady for 1/2 mile, ascending over 550’ vertical feet. The remote trail is lined with ferns, and flowers, and flowering shrubs. The view overlooking Villafranca below is magnificent. Then the trail levels off for a bit. Then another climb of 300’. Then level, then ...