Chris and John on the Camino de Santiago 2025

September 3 - October 24 2025

Camino Day Twenty-Nine- Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo (15.6 Miles)

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Day twenty-nine began bright and early, on the Way before 8:00. It took us over an hour to get back to the countryside. Morning coffee for us after two hours in Fuentes Nuevas. We found a Hermitage and a church open so that made our morning. The first was the Hermitage of Christ the Devine next to the coffee bar and then the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. This church had a side chapel which might be our most favorite we have seen.

We toured three more churches on the walk to Villafranca del Bierzo, all special in their own way. The hike was long and when we arrived in town we grabbed a pizza and drinks before checking into the Parador. The room was large and had a king size bed which made us both smile from ear to ear. After showers and laundry we had tapas in a wine bar in town: fresh garden salad, anchovies and roasted peppers, Galician Pulpo, and of course a local red wine.

Tomorrow we climb to the top of the mountain to a town called O Cebreiro.

Day 29
Church of Nuestra Senora del Refugio in Compostilla
Full Moon Setting Over Ponferada
Hermitage of Christ the Devine in Fuentes Nuevas
Altar of the Hermitage of Christ the Devine
Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion in Fuentes Nuevas- 18th Century
Credential Passport Being Stamped at the Church of the Asuncion
Amazing Side Chapel of the Church of the Asuncion
The Dome Ceiling Above the Side Chapel
Main Altar of the Church of the Asuncion
Less Than 200 Km left (123 Miles)
Hermitage of St Roch in Cacabelos- 15 Century
Altar of the Hermitage of St Roch
Crucifix in Hermitage of St Roch
Roses Blooming Everywhere
Parish Church of Santa Maria in Cacabelos- Consecrated in 1108
Carving of the Virgin of La Edrada Over the Doorway of Church of St Maria- 13th Century
Side Chapel of the Church of St Maria
The 1108 Romanesque apse of the Church of St Maria
Crossing Rio Cua
Cholla Cactus- Back in Tucson
So Many Old Structures Just begging to be Renovated
Back in Wine Country- Bierzo Region
Pizza for Lunch Before Checking Into Hotel- Ate It Quite Quick
Our Hotel- Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo
View From Our hotel Window
Working On the Blog With a Gin and Tonic
Local Wine for Dinner- Go M’s
Looking Down Upon Villafranca del Bierzo and On Towards the Mountains We Climb in the Morning

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5 Responses

  1. Marc Galante says:
    October 9, 2025 at 3:24 pm

    One of Spain’s greatest radio personalities over the past 60 years, Luis del Olmo, is a native of Villafranca del Bierzo. He regularly regaled his audience with stories of The Camino, and commentary on the food and wines of his hometown and the surrounding area.

    I believe that O’Cebreiro is the highest town along the Camino, and one of the first villages in Galicia that you come to, after leaving the province of Leon.

  2. Sarah Acrich says:
    October 9, 2025 at 3:46 pm

    LOVE the Last Supper fresco!

  3. Lora says:
    October 9, 2025 at 4:05 pm

    I’m not sure if you mentioned this at the beginning…how many days do you think your journey will take? (And are you still able to listen to the Mariners games!?)
    You two are amazing!!!!!

    • Chris and John says:
      October 11, 2025 at 12:08 pm

      We plan to spend 38 days on the road but about 34 walking days- love the rest days! I’m replying on Saturday Oct 11. We have 5 more walking days and 72 miles! We’re doing well. We arrive in Santiago on Oct 16.
      Yes- John has been waking up
      At 2 am to listen to the games. Last night,Friday, John figured out how to steam the game. Starting at 2 am we both watched all 15 innings!!!!
      Thrilling!!!! Go M’s

  4. Susie Carey says:
    October 10, 2025 at 3:26 am

    I’m liking your beard, John!