Villafranca del Bierzo to La Laguna / 16.8 miles
Highlights:
- Lush green everywhere, with views back into the valley and ahead towards O Cebreiro
- Easy ascent for the first ~20 kms
- Tiny towns every 2kms or so, and in between, lots of cows and goats grazing
- So many kittens everywhere!
- Out of breath on the ascent towards O Cebreiro, meeting a group of almost-retired Mallorcans who I’ve continued to trade conversations with in the days since — perhaps my favorite trail friends so far
- A cheese and tomato sandwich at a tiny bakery before the big ascent started. The bread was phenomenal. I also tried my first Kas lemon soda, which is like a Fanta but so much better
- A steep ascent for the final ~5km through the woods, then emerging above treeline to sweeping panorama views
- A machine wash and dry for my clothes and sleeping sheet
- Pasta and beer chicken for dinner
Allison Cowie 
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