Villafranca to Ruitelan. Day 27

We took the high road out of Villafranca to avoid pavement and walking along streets. What a climb out of town --straight up!  And up and up. We were rewarded, however, with, as the guidebook says, "stunning views and earthen paths."  

We were walking on the tops of mountains. Incredible. 

With Michele and Sarah. 

Chestnut trees --  groves and groves of them. 

It was a pretty steep descent though this doesn't show it. 

Heading down to this town where we had lunch. 

Hobbitville. At least it seemed that way. 

A small church en route. 

Entering Ruitelan. We followed a road through and between mountains alongside a stream. The highway was way above us on bridges and tunnels through the mountains. 

The albergue with a Buddist touch. 

The stairs up ( or down ). 

Wine on the side of the road. We moved a table to this side of the street to be in the sun. The woman running the bar didn't mind. 

She was actually glad; quite a pre-dinner party ensued with much wine. 

He was riding his bike along the camino and stopped to play a song and have a glass before moving on. 

In full swing. 

We moved the tables and chairs back and then had a communal dinner at the albergue. Amazing meal of carrot soup, salad and pasta carbonara. The two men who run the albergue really know how to cook.