To Ponteverda

Sept 29, 2016 Ponteverda 18km

It was a beautiful walk today following the coastal inlet part of the way. Some striking views along the trail, ending with the crossing of a medieval bridge. Met a Spanish hiking group. There were 32 in the group and I commented to their leader, that now I have solved the mystery why most of the hotels in the next town are booked. I should be a day behind so I can get a better hotel selection. There were two hills to pass today, which was exhausting and it was the final descent that we came upon Miguel's place. A local entrepreneur who converted his house into a bar/Cafe, and he was generous with his wine. Too much wine is not a good idea with 5km to go. I met another pilgrim at our hotel who had the same experience at Miguel's place. Made our way into Ponteverda and had to ask 3 people for directions to our hotel. An interesting town with many churches and museums, and many restaurants to choose.

Redondela in the distance

The scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino 

Many cute cats on the trek

Lunch at Miguel's 

The house cat comes to Julie for some food

Ponteverda 

To Redondela

September 28, 2016 Redondela 16km

It seems we walked longer today, but with 400+meter ascent and descent, the trek took a little longer. The downhills are the worst, pain on the knees. It was a hot day, but lots of mountain terrain and shade from the trees. Met more people starting their Camino, a two couples from Spain and two girls from Columbia S. America. Most of the towns we've entered are long and it's hard to define the city centre. We located the apartment we rented last time in Redondela, but it was full. So the owner took us to anther apartment owned by the family. We got the whole apartment for 30 Euros. What a deal! Met Ann and her two French Canadian walking partners who were going an extra 3 km to stay at a seaside hotel. How sweet!

Bread box next to the mailbox.

To Porrino

September 27, 2016 Porrino 19km

We made our way out of Valenca and crossed the bridge to Tui. Met Claire and Rose at the castle and said our goodbyes. They're taking the train to Santiago and flying home to Sweden tomorrow (back to work). Met many new pilgrims today who are starting their Camino from Tui. It's the last 100km required to earn a credential. The trek today continued to follow mountain trails and there were many cafe stops along the way. It so much more pleasant walking after a break that includes coffee, or a glass of cold beer or wine (if it's close to our destination). 

Leaving Valenca, entering Tui

Bridge connecting Valenca and Tui

Saying goodbyes to Rose and Claire

Exiting Tui

Many communal wash areas are still being used today.

To Valenca

Sept 26, 2016 Valenca 19km

This is our last full day in Portugal. The trek was similar to yesterday's, primarily going through forest areas and small hamlets. There were many mountain streams and waterfalls. Met other peregrinos this morning, with some ending their trek at Valenca. The sadness today was a couple who were separated during the Camino. She meeting up with a friend and he going forward on his own. Unfortunately when he arrived in Valenca there was no sign of his wife and he did not know the hotel she booked. I told him to check our hotel to see if she made a reservation. We met Claire and Rose in town who advised that the couple had been reunited, and apparently the wife was not too pleased with her husband.

Some flower pots at the Albergue.

Missing wife on the right walking with Ann.

Many beautiful mountain streams

My amigo...great suit!

Some exotic birds.

Our walking buddies Sten and Kerstin from Denmark. We often stayed at the same hotel.

To Rubiaes

Sept 25, 2016 Rubiaes 18km

This was the most challenging section of the Camino. We started out leaving Lima, following old Roman roads and bridges, and then travelling through tiny mountain villages and then ending the last two hours going through some extremely difficult mountain terrain. In one section Julie was unable to climb the rocks with her backpack on, which I carried to get her through that section. And the descent was equally challenging, trying to avoid slipping. We underestimated our arrival by 1.5 hours, but enjoyed the cafes along the way to rest and refresh. It was a relief to finally reach our accommodations, O Repouso do Peregrino. The hostess was so nice, giving us a bottle of wine to enjoy when we arrived and making arrangements for a local restaurant to pick us up for dinner and return us home afterwards.

Old Roman road. A challenge after a rainstorm.

Many waterfalls along this route.

Very photogenic. They came to me when they saw the camera.

Many farms with water reservoirs. 

"Mario, mark in your book. If we do this Camino again, take a bus!"

Many trees in this area had bags collecting the sap.

The final ascent.