'My Bicycle Ride' - y vs là

Question

Regarding Cathy's question, the two following answers were accepted as being correct with both là and y replacing 'dans une clairière'. The first was the answer given by KWIZIQ as the first choice.

1. je me repose là pendant quelques minutes.

2. je m'y repose pendant quelques minutes.

I understand that y can replace 'dans + place', and I often read that y and là have different meanings, but have never found a clear explanation as to when you 'can' use one or the other when referring to a place.

I would really appreciate someone explaining to me why both are correct.

Accepted Answer

Hi Don,
In this case, both 'y' and 'là'  are possible and just replace dans la clairière.
You would tend to use 'y' if it refers to a specific place aforementioned and 'là' is often vaguer meaning just the place you are talking about.
e.g
Où as-tu mis mon portable? ----> là! 
Where have you put my mobile? ----> there! 
( you might say pointing to a place )
Tu as mis mon portable dans mon sac? ---> oui, je l'y ai mis
Have you put my mobile in my bag? ----> yes, I put it in
Bonne Continuation!