170 km to Santiago
This morning, there was still no electricity. We had a cold breakfast in our room. Then, at 7:10, the lights flickered back on. Power had returned. We quickly charged our phones as much as possible and set out on the trail.
Leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, the path mostly runs squeezed between the A Coruña highway, the local road, and the Valcarce River.
There was no coffee anywhere – all the bars were still closed.
Our first hope for coffee was in Pereje, but the village felt abandoned. Even the albergue where I stayed in 2014 had been closed for two weeks. Asphalt, asphalt, and more asphalt.
There are barely any new photos today – just what little battery life we had left.
Villages passed by one after another. Finally, we found a small tavern offering coffee. Later, we realized they still had no electricity – they boiled the water over gas. Not the best coffee, but it was warm.
We continued on and enjoyed a proper cold beer in Ambasmestas.
We debated where to stay for the night and decided on the municipal albergue in Vega de Valcarce (under the highway). The village has everything we need: ATM, restaurants, and two markets.
Now, everything feels good again. We replenished supplies, cooked ourselves a meal, and washed our clothes.
We are slowly approaching the border between Galicia and León. After that, only about 160 km to Santiago.
We are doing well – and it keeps getting better.
Warm greetings to all,
Martina & Ive
