Life's a Stitch

At 6:00 a.m. the storm was still raging. By 8:00 it was a beautifully sunny day. We went for the included breakfast and were joined by a young woman, hiking on her own. Who’s this first person we meet at brekkie? Coincidentally, a nurse from Vancouver. We exchanged info about other point-to-point walking experiences. 

Today was our short day, two hours to transition from jet lag to a 19k day tomorrow. The initial trek was breathtakingly beautiful, high up on cliffs overlooking the east Atlantic. We looked for the small blue and green trail markers for the Fisherman’s Route of the Rota Vicentina, which were easy to miss.

I often send my family a morning seagull photo when walking along the water at home. Here’s my Portuguese version.

We lucked out weather-wise.

The next bit was along a not too active road.

Once in the rhythm of walking it all came back, that glorious Camino feeling. I am so grateful to be able to do this again, considering the last time was six years ago. Truthfully it felt no different. The fact that I’m 40lbs lighter maybe helps? 

We trekked to the local fishing boat launch and turned around, avoiding the steep tricky wooden stairs.

We were back at town in time to take advantage of a reasonable set price “Executive Meal” offered at lunchtime. 

It included bread, spreads and jam, cheese, olives, Melba toast, entree with veggies, salad, fries and a small beer, wine or soft drink for e12.50. You can add on dessert for e2.50.  I had grilled seafood platter with six kinds of seafood (prawn, cuttlefish, squid, salmon, dorado and swordfish).

C had prawn curry. 

I think we’ll be on the lookout for this kind of option where possible, followed by a light dinner.