Camino Portuguese 2023

Another day in Portugal, the routine is feeling … well routine but different everyday, if that makes sense.

Walking out of the cities and bigger towns is always a bit monotonous but today we were met by a lovely local lady. 

She had already walked past us and then returned asking if we were going to Santiago. 

The roads ahead of us were closed and there was no way through. She walked with us until we found the yellow arrows.

We found some coffee on the outskirts of town and even a ham and cheese tosta.

Exciting, because almost always the offerings are sweet pastries.

Today seemed to be full of some fairly nasty hills and they certainly sucked the energy from us.

Some beautiful paths and very much walking through farmlands as well.

We also had one of those wonderful Camino moments when this gorgeous lady with not a word of English firstly helped me fill my bottle from a Fuente but she continued to keep us company ( muttering away in Portuguese) until we got to the railway line. Here she helped us across, explaining in her way that this was a big shortcut

Today we also had our first encounter with donativo tables. We loved these on the Camino Frances.

Today it was cakes and bickies, water and beer but often it’s fruit as well. Just a coin donation will suffice.

We left Barcelos aiming for a hostel at Lugar do corgo, run by a couple, Fernanda and Jacinta but that was unfortunately full. Which it normally is.

They were very helpful in calling ahead to Casa Sangres to see if there was space for us and there was. 

I’m so glad as this place is awesome. trudged on another of the longest 3 kms ever to get there but well worth it!!!

Again today we had the pleasure of walking through eucalypt forests, really could have been anywhere in Australia.

A grand day, exhausted by the end. 

At this hostel we have or will be provided with dinner, breakfast, sheets and a towel bigger than a postage stamp.

This is living.😂😂