We started our 21 mile hike from Viana do Castelo, a beautiful coastal town. We stayed in an old guesthouse that was beautiful and located in the city’s incredible town plaza. Unbeknownst to us they were having a concert in the town plaza that lasted until 2am. All the ear plugs in the world couldn’t prevent us from the pounding of the concert. We got up at 6am after the dogs decided we should not sleep. We loved to village of Viana and were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Wonderful owner from Lebanon who made reservations for us at one of his favorite restaurants. It was fabulous and paired outstanding with a Portuguese red wine from the Douro region of Portugal. I was so impressed I sent a case to my parents and asked them to enjoy but save a couple for me.
We made our way out of Viana do Castelo and walked the paths through beautiful small villages, wine country, and forest with babbling brooks ( not my best friend DaveBrooks babbling). We left the cliffs above the Atlantic and made our way to the sea where we trekked along the beautiful seaside. Our journey by the sea ended and we started our climb to the next village. We knew it would not be an easy climb up dirt paths and creek beds. A horse grazing along the ocean was a tempting alternative. We made it to the next town over the mountain where we caught a ferry to Spain. Our days in Portugal were done. We celebrated no injuries, arrest, or major problems. Our water taxi was a crazy ride but we arrived in Spain safe. After another 3 miles up tough hills we arrived in A Guarda. We are staying in a 16 century convent that was turned into a hotel in 1984. It’s beautiful.
We met some interesting people today Walking the Camino . A German design engineer from Porche who was burned out with his job, a PHD graduate who finished her PHD 7 years along and has spent the last 7 years traveling the world trying to find herself. And a 50 year old man who suffered from bi polar disorder and had left his high stress financial job to start his business helping those like him. Everyone has their story and the Camino seems to give them an avenue to spill their challenges and life stories with total strangers. Dave and I just like to have fun. Tonight we’re being smart and going to bed early after a nice dinner of fish and local wine by the docks of A Guarda. Bom Camino.
Camino de Portuguese 