We had a lovely stay at Casa Anabela. Anabela was a charming host and served a nice breakfast, and port last night at the end of the day.
Plus we met a father and son from Italy, Paul from Canada, and Ellen and Mieke from Netherlands. Paul has walked many Camino’s and was having dinner last night near our albergue when two guys came over to his table and said we know you. They had been on the Camino Francis together in 2019! Then today when we were finishing up our hike we met two guys from England and Rob was telling me about this encounter last night in a restaurant. Crazy. It was Paul’s two Camino friends. So we walked to the albergue together. Paul is meeting up with them later in the week for dinner.
Our day was a great combination of eucalyptus forests, farm land, small villages, new development and one large city.
We had a Camino Angel today that called to us and in Portuguese and a lot of hand movements, explained to us to come across the tracks and we could save 1 km of backtracking. He was not taking no for answer and we are glad that he insisted! 2nd Angel: A woman pilgrim tried to get me to take her new stick of glide for chafing of the thighs. She said she is bow legged so doesn’t need it. Obviously she took a look at the size of thighs and thought that I might be a candidate for chafing. I politely declined. I don’t need one more thing in my pack. 😜
Today was a holiday which meant not all cafés and shops were open. We walked through a large city and they were preparing for the a big celebration tonight. It looked fascinating with all the lights and decorations.
The last 5 km was tough. We met up with the Rob and his friend with England right before a long end of the day climb to our Albergue. Being deep in conversation helps but I was finding it a grind.
Our albergue tonight is 5€. Hot showers 8 bunks per room and we have bottom bunks! Heaven. We are thinking we will stay in private albergues the next two days because it is easier with COVID and the no mask mandate (just happened yesterday).
Our host is a young guy who has done 9 Camino’s. He is a wealth of stories and encouragement to other pilgrims.
NIce to get a long one under your 🦶🦶👏🏼