Life's a Stitch

September 13: 17k

The Portuguese route of the Camino does not follow the ocean, we chose to take the alternate coastal route. In doing so we've found it lacks some of the pilgrim infrastructure as it takes you through desirable vacation spots.

No 10e three course meals with all the wine you want. You're more likely to pay 12e, but you're getting delicious grilled fresh fish, roasted potatoes and sautéed veggies. A decent bottle of wine is 11e at a restaurant and last night we found one bargain, a shared 4oz glass of Callem tawny port for 2e.

Accommodation is about the same price as on the Camino Frances. Last night's was at Casa Velha, above a defunct restaurant, run by an older couple who were very proud of their little inn. Rightfully so, but the decorating was a matter of opinion. 

Lime green was the colour du jour.  Even the bathroom sink matched.

Didn't that colour used to be called peuss? An evocative name for a colour. 

We left the balcony door open to hear the howl of the wind and stormy seas. In the morning, voila, sunny weather.

Most of today's walking was on an extensive system of boardwalks. 

Past Roman ruins of an area for preservation of fish with salt. Just like the bacalao (salt cod) they still serve in Portugal today.

Through two tiny fishing villages:

Stopping for lunch in the dunes by the beach:

We walked over the River Ave into the town of Vila do Conde, which we could see in the distance this morning. At the end of our block there is a 17th century aquaduct. There is a lot of history on the Camino still in existence today.