Camino Frances - Day 27 - September 22nd. 2013: Villafranca to Ruitelán (24th. day walking)
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| Contour Map: Copyright John Brierley click here to see notes |
NOTE: Ruitelán, not shown on the contour map, is located between Valcarce and Herrerias.
Click here for Google Map and my starting point today
ALL IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL DAY - DUBLIN Vs MAYO
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| Ed looking a bit worried after Mayo begin to lose their early lead |
While the guys decided to have breakfast before leaving Villafranca I started walking. I stopped in Trabedalo for for a ham and cheese roll, no omelet today. I had a nice leisurely break here before setting off for Ruitelán, reaching my destination shortly after 11am.
Ruitelán:
I reached Ruitelán, passing a nice looking little cafe before reaching the Albergue we had booked yesterday The Albergue Pequeño Potala was still locked up and looked a little rough around the outside but you should never judge a book by it's cover. I went back to cafe to wait fr the Albergue to open or the guys to arrive, which ever came first. It was really hot and I was not ready to eat yet so I set myself up at a table in the shade out front and ate my ice cream and sipped a cool mineral (too early for a beer).
When the guys arrived we all made our way to the Albergue which way due to open at 1pm. We sat in a raised patio area overlooking the narrow road that passes through this small, quiet town. After checking in, showering and changing into fresh clothes we made our way back to the cafe but not before checking the WiFi signal. Jim confirmed his tablet was fully charged. Now we just had to wait for the main event. We had a pint and some food in the small cafe and then made haste to our patio, the best seats in the house, for the All Ireland Senior Football Final.
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| The images say it all |
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| Tina on the right |
THE MAIN EVENT:
With Ed and Jim firmly behind Mayo and Ger and myself passionate supporters of the Dubs the neutrals started to take sides. This may have had something to do with where they put their money. We all put 5euro in a pot and made a forecast on the final score. Naturally the neutrals followed their money. I managed to get Tina (from Germany) to let out the occasional roar (a timid one because she is petite) 'Come on the Dubs' : ) Thanks Tina. |
| Ed and Mayo going downhill |
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| Ed, resigned to Mayo's destiny |
I am not going to write an account of the game because it is said a picture speaks a thousand words. Have a look at Ed as he becomes more and more deflated as Mayo fail, again, to bring Sam (the cup) home. Not only did the Dubs win but I won the pot of gold, or the pot of fivers.  |
| Mayo men still smiling, good sports' |
The celebrations:
After victory come the celebrations so we all made our way across the road to the only bar in town to spent the pot of fivers. We left the bar after a few drinks and returned to our albergue to eat our evening meal. We were served outside on the patio. The food, the beers, the game, the result, the craic, what could make it better. Well how a bout a singalong. Ronan surprised everyone with his guitar playing and vocals.
And so ends one of the really great days on the Camino. Tomorrow is likely to punish any sore heads in the group. Steep climb to 1300mtrs and a hike of more than 30Klms. : )
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| Several pints later, heading back for pilgrim dinner |
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Other Links, relating to this section of the Camino, you may wish to follow
Villafranca del Bierzo:
Ruitelán:
Images of Ruitelán on the internetWikipedia on Ruitelán
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