Today we (Christine, Gina and I) decided to do something a little different.  We would walk a modest amount (10 miles), to save our feet for the upcoming O Cebriero (the tallest, steepest mountain climb on the Camino), visit a castle, and taxi the rest of the way to our hostel…I am now on a bit of a time crunch because of taking this time while my feet heal.

There was a slight drizzle as we started our walk…nothing interesting to take pictures of as it was along a rural road, but I did find a little gift laying on the sidewalk…a rose🌺 trying not to think too much about home, as I don’t need to get homesick, but this made me smile😄

We met at a lovely cafe across the street from the Castle, and seeking balance, I got a smoothy, unbelievable, two days in a row…and two chocolate stuffed almond cookies dipped in chocolate…oh yeah!

The Knights Templar Castle across the street beckoned us, even though it was raining, and I knew a lot of it would be outside.  One important function of the Knights Templar was to protect the pilgrims walking the Camino…they were all murdered by the Kings decree on Friday the 13th in 1307… Hence the significance of Friday the 13th.

I so wished I could have brought all of my grandsons to this… Much of the castle is very intact.  The views were incredible.

I did climb a very claustrophobic staircase to get to the top of one turret.

We arrived in Villafranca, the rain had stopped…our hostel is lovely.  It was nice to still have the energy to walk around the town a little, the town center had an amazing collection of roses, and of all things, they were holding a dog show for Spanish Mastiffs.

It was wonderful to be able to do a little sight seeing today.