Life's a Stitch

Followed our usual routine: breakfast at 8:15 on the trail at 9:00. Walking out of the village, we heard a metallic sound thinking it was related to the natural springs we were passing. The volume increased and I thought we were heading right into a stampede of cattle with cowbells. We saw the source to our right, feeding cows. Our morning symphony, dubbed by C, “The Cowrol of the Bells.”

It was uphill from there. I still don’t understand the reality of the elevation gain as opposed to the trail guides.

It was a magical walk in the cork tree forest.

There were still remnants from last week’s storm and flooding.

Back down on level land we encountered the largest cork tree yet, with an interesting sky.

After 5k we were approaching Bordeira again to head to the second circular routes.

Crossing the highway, a short distance down the trail we heard more cowbells, described by SIL KC, when he saw the video, as haunting and happy. He knows as he worked making cheese in the Swiss Alps.

The route edged along the pasture for quite awhile, then rounded a corner for an uphill climb. We walked through eucalyptus forest, some still in bloom.

There were a couple of spots where the trail markers were hard to find. It was helpful having three sets of eyes at three heights to spot them.

These goats escaped their fence:

The sheep not so brave:

None of us remembers going downhill enough to justify the steep long shale incline toward the end of hike.

We’re staying in one bedroom apartments at Pensao das Dunas in Carrapateira. Pretty on the outside, a little tired inside.

At e80 per night it was the most expensive accommodation on the trail. The apartment was advertised as having a kitchen and we bought groceries accordingly, but we found the kitchens didn’t have ovens or a toaster and nothing more than salt. And they came with an overwhelming supply of ants. One staff member told us it was a first while the other told us it can be expected in a country house. I did manage to make dinner, Pork piccata, broccoli, and mashed potatoes, using the microwave rack as a masher.

If you are planning on staying here also note there are no bathroom amenities other than hand soap and although no hairdryer in our unit, I borrowed one from E’s.

Looking forward to moving on to Lagos tomorrow.