Day 28 Villafranca del Bierzo to La Faba

Walked 26.5km today and even though I swear I wasn't going to take the longer and higher scenic route yesterday I walked up on it this morning. It was again very cold this morning and for the first 1 hour it was a steep climb uphill uphill uphill. I had to keep stopping to catch my breath and the 12km towards Trabadelo took me a good 3 hours. Lots of uphill also means there are lots of downhill and my knees were starting to feel weak. It was tough. The view were pretty good though so while stopping to catch my breath I took some photos

Once in Trabadelo I went straight to get something to eat and sat under the sun to warm up. After Trabadelo we are walking next to the highway most of the way passing at least 3 other small villages along the way. 

Once passed Rutelan the roads start to wind up and it's the beginning of the climb to O'cebreiro. Due to it being a steep strenuous climb I decided that I wasn't going to do it today and will stop 5km before the peak and stay in La Faba's German Albergue for the night. 

The 4km coming here was already a steep climb and I was already feeling tired so I kept stopping. It took me an hour and 15mins to walk the 4km. La Faba is a little village with only 1 shop and 1 bar so we will buy some stuff to cook tonight. We meaning Tara and Sam whom I bumped into yesterday at Villafranca. 

Quite unlucky. The last bed in the main Albergue was taken by the person in front of me so I was put into the dungeon which has no heating. I can't possible walk anymore so decide to take the beds regardless and will think of ways to stay warm tonight. I did take 2 blankets though and I feel kinda bad

The only place that is warm in the whole place is the kitchen so we cooked pasta with tuna, bought 2 bottles of wine and stayed in the kitchen for the night until bed time. 

With the 2 blankets that I hogged and putting my water bottle with hot water inside my sleeping bag, it was warm enough to sleep. I must have been so tired that I didn't even wake up in the night to use the bathroom. I did hear snorers though. 

Tomorrow we walk to Fillobal 22km away climbing O Cebreiro to get there