The weather was improving despite the rain last night. We got an 8:30 start but only had 11 miles to Vianna. Leaving Los Arcos we pass by the cemetery. According to our guide book the inscription over the gateway reads “You are what I once was and will be what I am now.” The way is now flat and we move quickly through two villages San Sol and Torres del Rio which has a 12th century octagonal church associated with Knights of the Templar. This area is dominated by fields of wheat which had been harvested leaving thick stalks. I believe this is then cut down, baled, stored and fed to cattle in the winter. Huge stacks of these bales litter the fields for miles.
Walking on, the scenery changed into field after field of grapes interspersed with olive trees and fig trees. The grapes are ripening fast and I have to say fresh figs from a tree are delicious. These were my first!
Oh and don’t forget the occasional blackberry bush. Not as frequent as before but they taste just as good.
We arrived in Vianna at 2:30. Vianna is a small town of about 4000 people. It has retained most of its Medieval character. We strolled around town and had dinner with Christian and Mary Ann our friends from Denmark and a new friend, Shona from London. Pilar from Ecuador joined us later. The next day we were on to Legrono and some of the best wine making in Spain. This turned out to be a great walk. Carolyn, myself, Shona, and Pilar began walking together. Immediately Pilar and myself began talking and sharing. We must have slowed our pace because it wasn’t long before Carolyn and Shona put some distance between us. There are occasions when you are so present in a conversation that time doesn’t matter. I talked and she listened intently I did the same for her. We connected on a personal level that exceeded our real life experience. It’s hard to explain but when this happens it is wonderful. In my experience hiking together fosters these experiences. On the Camino especially! The six miles to Legrono took three hours yet it seemed much faster. I took very few pictures which is not normal for me. I will always treasure these hours with Pilar and have a new special friendship. Carolyn and Shona connected as well. All four of us were blessed this day! Even a little shower as we walked into Legrono couldn’t spoil what the Camino had in store for each of us!
Walking in Wilderness 