by Real Traveler irish4697
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Villafranca del Bierzo

From El Camino de Santiago in Villafranca del Bierzo, Spain on Jun 16 '08

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After a tough day yesterday today was a piece of cake. Did over 20 miles, went through Ponferrada (which didn´t compare to the other larger cities) and went through many rolling vineyard hills. Had a nice talk with Francois of France, whom i met on the first day going through the Pyranees. He reminds me of yonkey so i immediately liked him. We talked a bunch about places we´ve traveled and it was a good way to speed up the boring part of the day´s hike. Saw him again in the plaza here in Villafranca. Checked out both refugios but decided that I needed some alone time so i splurged on a low-grade hotel in the main plaza. It has a full-size bathtub. Oh yes. had a dinner and wine on the plaza as the sun was setting and spoke with some folks just out of school from Belgium, usa, France, and Spain. So young they are.....they don´t even know how special this experience is yet. Onto the highest mountain tomorrow and will hopefully rest at the peak in O´Cebreiro.

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irish4697 on Jun. 17, 2008 @ 05:55AM said

stehl - yes i am still pasty! a woman i walked with yesterday said she was burning more than usual and i told her it was just my reflect "glow". it´s nice to know i am helping bring cancer to others.

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hdarden on Jun. 17, 2008 @ 05:55AM said

!!! Michael! Eric and I are sitting in an internet cafe in Athens and reading your blog. Your journey sounds so rich and full of rhythm. Eric's a mix of happy and envious. Ask him about my first 'hike'. We've been talking a lot about you (and, awkwardly, uncle sam as well). Let me know if you stay in Ligonde, my turf! It's the last small town before Santiago.

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yonkey on Jun. 17, 2008 @ 05:55AM said

wow - awesome blog! i didn't have a chance to read it until now! the places you've been and the pictures you've posted make me want to break out into a heartfelt romanian gypsy dance. extremely happy for you, brother. hope your leg feels better. inspiring!!!!

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irish4697 on Jun. 17, 2008 @ 05:55AM said

yonx and darden (ak-- the god squad), you would both be doing gypsy dances out here if you were with me! yonx, there is a young french guy ur age who reminds me so much of you it´s disgusting. you act so similar i could throw up (in a good way of course). i will try to make it to your turf darden. we´ll see where the feable legs bring me as i approach. any advice for the town (ie. cheap shaaman advice)? looking forward to more of ur photos. can you throw in some ones that mock religion?

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wstehl on Jun. 17, 2008 @ 05:55AM said

So good to hear. I laughed when you described the unlaughable rains...good image. It sounds like you're getting less and less alone time. You're on a great pace, and nice job fending off that tan! We're very proud of our pasty little pilgrim. in arnold, william

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