Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Walking from Villafranca de los Barros to Torremejia
27.5 kilometers

Today was a long, long day, and a very good day. The road from Villafranca de los Barros to Torremejia was almost completely straight north, off the main roads, and in lush and strikingly beautiful farmland. There is not much to report along the way, as the route was very straight and the farmland repetitive, making time for introspection and reflection.

We started early, hoping to get much of the walk in before the afternoon became too warm. Here is our group in front of the albergue by the church about to head out for today’s walk.

As we were leaving town and negotiating the narrow streets, I took a photo of us leaving town.

In a very short time, we were out of the main town and heading into farmland with the sun rising far in the east.

And, as we have seen occasionally in days past, there are newly planted vineyards along this road. The vines look very healthy, green, and growing.

Leonard took a picture of me along the road in the morning, with my jacket already off and in my backpack as the cool morning eased into a warm day.

And there are long stretches of new vineyards along this road/path. The deep red of the earth contrasting with the green of the new growth and the blue sky is stunningly beautiful.

Along the road, there are spots of wildflowers lightening the mood as we walk along. Some blue flowers, some purple, some white.

Javier and Tom were walking faster than Leonard and me, and even though we could see a far in front of us, we lost sight of them. Javier took a photo of Tom in front walking along.

The road continues. Very flat, mostly straight. We are past the newly planted vineyards and back into olive grove territory. Now there are yellow wildflowers along the path.

Rising up a gradual hill, the path continues and continues. More and more olive groves.

Finally, far ahead, we can see the outskirts of the small town of Torremejias. It has been a long day and we are ready to stop, take off our backpacks and shoes, and rest. That time will not come for almost an hour, and our mood is lightened as we know the end of this long warm day is really coming.

After getting into town, to the albergue, checking in, getting a shower, changing clothes, and cleaning dirty clothes (the usual routine), we all sat down for a communal dinner prepared jointly. This will be the last night with all of us together. Sharon must jump ahead a few stages to catch up with some friends. Javier will walk further tomorrow than Tom and me because he has a limited time to get to Santiago de Compostela. Leonard will take a few days off after tomorrow to spend a few days with his wife who is completing some work in The Netherlands.

Tomorrow is a shorter day for Tom, Leonard, and me. We will stop after 15 kilometers at Mérida. Javier and Baudouin will continue on another 14 kilometers to El Carrascelejo. Sharon will jump ahead several towns, and we hope to continue hearing from her on WhatsApp.

Next: Torremejias to Mérida