TDM = Total Daily Miles ; Total = Total of course from Lisbon to Santiago

Typically, my day begins bright and early. Let’s just say I’m not embracing the time change. Around 7:30am, I woke up. George is doing about as good as me. We got dressed and headed out around 8:30 to the neighborhood market. Our Hostel Hostess told us that anything and everything your heart desires, is available. She was Spot On!

We cased the produce aisle and grabbed some fruit, macadamia nuts, then meat, cheese and rolls. Today we were going to have food in our packs. Then we sauntered over to the Cafe and obtained caffeine, and breakfast. It’s the same as lunch minus the cheese. We ate and headed to the trail at 10am. Okay, so this is definitely not my backpacking time schedule, but today was going to be a light day. Little miles with no elevation. George’s kind of walking for sure.

We crossed over the bridge and saw at least 15-20 Pilgrims walking the trail. They had no backpacks and at first I was thinking they must be out for a day hike. But I was so wrong. There are companies that take your backpacks, make your reservations, plan your day, and all you have to do is follow the leader with a reflective vest! There’s pros and cons but after seeing them for most the day, I’m thinking the Baraga Way is much better. We can stop and go whenever we want. We get the pleasure of carrying our own backpack completely equipped with a nice scalloped shell and whatever provisions we want. I have no idea where they are staying but it’s going to be crowded. And their plans are to finish at Fatima, some 150 kilometers away.

Today we walked through many towns and cities, with little rural areas. Most of the day was following the large group of Pilgrims through on road walks. Once we made our way to the river, we all split up. George and I made a left turn, which ended up to be the Old Route and found our way to the quaintest town. It looked like a Movie Set filled with locals drinking espresso, eating lunch and laughing a lot. One of the locals tried to explain that we were on the wrong route but we actually enjoyed being off track. We found a place to have beer, one dollar for a small glass. I’m thinking that many of you may think I like beer too much! Well, I probably do but this is not IPA. The alcohol content in Portugal is quite low and honestly, beer is either the same price as water and many times, less than water. So why drink water when you can drink beer for the same price?

Afterwards George and I found out way back to The Camino and followed the new and improved pathway. They had just completed it and it is now hosting the Para-Olympic Race this weekend. There were many athletes warming up and preparing for their upcoming events.

By early afternoon, we arrived to our final resting place of Vila Franca. Much to our surprise, the place was packed with tourists and bulls! Yes, you read that right. They were running with the Bulls today, straight to the stadium. Poor little bulls! That’ll be their last day of running, or doing much of anything, for that matter.

We checked into our Hostel, which we were lucky to get a room at all. Between the large group of Pilgrims and the wanna-be Matadors, everything was booked solid. We scored a room with five others, one top bunk and one bottom bunk. I graciously offered George the bottom bunk. We have a shared bath that was occupied for over an hour! Our roommate must’ve been covered in extreme filth! Or oblivious that six of us share one bathroom 🤷‍♀️

Our town is bustling with activity and we made our way down the many streets. Happy Hour was being celebrated everywhere so George and I contributed to the wealth of the neighborhood and succumbed to a large beer. I found some gelato and we carried on.

After a bit, we ran into one of the Lithuanian Brothers. He was looking for soup for his sick brother. Oh no, what’s wrong? He could only equate it to his brother drinking too much beer?!?! He, on the other hand, drinks Sangria and is doing quite well. Hmm, maybe I need to switch it up a bit. Clear Sky, his name translated in English, offered to take us to his favorite restaurant so I could try this secret concoction of fruit and wine.

The Store Owner was so sweet and moved a table outside for us and brought two chairs. We were seated on the cobblestone walkway that was quite slated but after drinking a pitcher of Sangria, I didn’t care much. We had dinner, dessert and coffee and were quite content. I’m starting to think I’m going to be gaining weight from this little adventure! It’s just hard to say no to all this fine dining.

Another wonderful day on The Camino. George has a bit of a heat rash, which we have learned, must be going around. Our Lithuanian friend has the same thing, as well as a couple of ladies. It’s been mighty hot and if you’re not used to it, you can catch Heat Rash. Not really catch it, but it take take ahold on you.

Portugal is in the midst of a Heatwave, but the good thing is that there’s no humidity associated with it. I can handle dry heat any day of the week! Hopefully within a few days or so, it’ll start cooling down. I sure hope so because I have a down jacket, rain parka and smart wool shirt that is going to waste! In time grasshopper, and you will be wanting to wear shorts again.

Our shared room is with a couple of other gals, one from Holland and the other from Spain. There’s two more in the room around the wall but haven’t talked much to either of them. They are both coughing something terrible. There won’t be much rest tonight! There are so many Nationality’s represented on The Camino and US is quite small. Where are all the Americans? Maybe I’ll see them later down the trail.

One final note. Today is my Mom’s Birthday along with Mom and Dad’s Anniversary. I so miss Mom and I know Dad does too! Hi Dad, sorry I couldn’t call but my phone is not equipped for foreign calls. Not that you’re a Foreigner! I miss you so much and was thinking of you and Mom all day. Your love for one another was a gift and reminds me how the Lord loves us so well!