Day 11 - to Villafranca Montes de Oca

Thanks again to my sponsors for the day and for the 5000 steps. Your support, this day, was very much appreciated.


Yesterday was very trying. I really felt quite bored during the afternoon. There was not much to be done in Granon. The rest of the guests seemed to be 18 or 20 year hippies on a walking holiday. I didn't have a lot in common with them.


Sadly, I had read a whole lot about Granon and what a special place it was to stay. Things have obviously changed. It was like the worst of the worst youth hostels. The young ones were only interested in drinking and smoking and singing out loud. Added to that, there was a festival in town. This festival continued until 4am this morning. The sound of tuff-tuff music is still echoing through my head. And then, added to that, there was a spaniard snoring so incredibly loudly the entire night. The whole thing was horrible. I woke up in the morning (after a dozen times being awake throughout the night) only to find that someone had been sick in the men's toilet and that there was no toilet paper anywhere to be found (thankfully I come well prepared).


To make all matters worse - there is something else which I have lost / left behind. When preparing for bed, I discovered that I no longer had my ear plugs or eye mask. The snoring and the tuff-tuff music were at full volume. There was nothing to soften the sound.


Obviously, I did not rise the happiest camper in the world. But, what can you do? I just packed my bag and set off on my way... 


Given how horrible my night was, I made remarkable progress. I sailed through the early morning journey without a hitch. By 10am, I had reached my day's destination. I looked around a bit and ate brunch in a cafe and it was still only 10.30. What to do? I had plenty of gasoline in the tank and lots of time. I decided to press on.


The next town was a lovely little place called Tosantos. There, I had the most delightful bite to eat - as you will see on my photo page. The owner was incredibly kind. She phoned ahead for me to make sure that I could reserve a single room. After the two hell nights that I have had, I need some space to recover. It is not paradise and I am sharing the bathroom with others, but I need some me space.


I continued on the road, another 9 kms or do to go. All of a sudden it became hard. I could feel my left foot and my right calf. My going got slower and slower. Nevertheless, in good time overall, I made it to my destination - the long name in the post title. This is at the foot if quite a climb tomorrow, and 12 kms without civilisation, so I Pam glad that I will do it fresh.


I have spent the last few hours just sitting in the hostel/hotel garden with other walkers. We have enjoyed a refreshing beverage and a chat. Now, it is time for a small rest before dinner.


Hasta el luego!