On our 30 kilometer journey today we transitioned from the wide valley of Bierzo to the narrower valleys northwest heading toward Galicia.  Although not too steep, the landscape changed dramatically throughout the day.  The steep valley walls, rushing streams and winding mountain roads reminded us of similar areas in Japan.  We finished the day in a small village in a postcard-worthy valley right at the base of a mountain that we will need to climb tomorrow (above).

The city of Villafranca was a highlight of the morning.  This town possesses the trifecta of Spanish historical sites…a famous monastery…a significant castle…and an important church (make that 3 churches).  The 13th century Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of Saint Francis of Assisi) was built on the site of the Hospital de Villafranca, which catered to many pilgrims on this late stage of the Camino.  By the way, Happy Nurses’ Day to all the nurses out there in our family and circle of friends…especially to daughter Daria, celebrating her first Nurses’ Day in Denver.

We saw a significant increase in the amount of animals and livestock today.  Cows, horses and sheep seemed to be around every corner.  At one point we looked up at a flock of sheep in an enclosed field…and were immediately concerned that one of the sheep had been attacked or fallen ill.  Upon closer inspection…it was a dog…apparently not a great sheep dog…enjoying a nap in the sun.  I whistled…shook the fence…the sheep moved…but the dog didn’t.  Apparently, nothing, especially some over-anxious pilgrim was going to disrupt his afternoon slumber.  So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Spain’s worst (or smartest) sheep dog.