Day 29: Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzon, 23.4 km.
The day started with a lovely surprise. As we were making our way through town a Camino Angel stopped us in our tracks, asked if we spoke English, and then showed us the lovely river route out of town. At the end of the river we climbed a hill and turned to see a magical rainbow silhouetted across the hills.
The first 1/2 of the day was an easy, flat walk through beautiful neighborhoods and then into lovely small villages every 2-4 km. We made it 15 kms to Cacabelos and found a gorgeous garden cafe for a fabulous lunch.
The rest of the day was a walk through Bierzo wine country inclusive of a winery and wine tasting, a darling village of 35 inhabitants, and another Camino Angel who's albergue was full for the night so she personally searched and found us a room overlooking the main square. As we made our way there we happened upon Julia resting on a bench.
The evening was spent with "our daughter" (as was guessed previously by other peregrinos) over great food, good wine, and always interesting and inspiring conversations.
