VdlP day 8

 Villafranca de los Barrios to Torremejia 

Another good day on the Camino!  The trail was long, but we made it to our Albergue around 3:30.  We asked our host where we could find a place to eat, he said it was too late, but drove us to his friend’s restaurant and asked him if we could eat there and he said yes!  It was delicious!  The problem is, if we don’t eat before 3:30 we’ll have to wait until 8pm 😩  Kitchens close and only drinks are served at some 🤷🏻‍♀️  We are usually in bed by 9 bc we have to get up early and start walking.  Spaniards are so kind and friendly.  If we ask for directions, they will take us there.  If they see us looking confused, they will stop and ask if we need help.  They almost always acknowledge us when we pass 😊  They wave at us as they drive by…even the farmers on their tractors 🚜  

Now a few words from David…

I wanted to say a few words about the countryside which we’ve been walking. A week ago we left Sevilla and walked through a beautiful national park.  Since then, it’s been all olive 🫒 trees and vineyards over rolling hills. For the first couple of days, we walked through many olive tree fields, and then with each passing day we started seeing a few more vineyards mixed in. Yesterday and today we have been surrounded by acres and acres of beautiful vineyards. It is early in the growing season, so the grape vines are just starting to show a few leaves.  

One thing about this area of Spain that is interesting to us is how old things are. We stayed in a Parador (historic hotel) a couple nights ago that was in a castle built in the 1430’s. Since the road we are walking was originally built by the Romans, we occasionally see stone fences and other old ruins along the route. The fields and farms are also very old. You get the feeling that some of the land has been farmed since ancient times. We are seeing beautiful olive trees that look to be many centuries old and some pretty old grape vines as well, 

In the photos, you see Norma getting something off the top bunk, our snacks for our walk, and a very long dry road today.  Then I really got carried away with old gnarly olive trees. The trunks are as big as oak trees. Then some photos of old and young grape vines. Finally, me doing the daily clothes washing. Buen Camino.