Friday, 14 June 2013

 A view of the rio Douro from Porto city....

Kia ora from Vila do Conde-Day 1 of our camino.

 
We had a fabulous few days in Porto exploring the city by bus and metro but I will save that for another story.I want to tell you about the start of our camino adventure.....
We left our Porto hotel this morning at 9.00am and arrived here at 4.30pm so there is much to tell.
Today we left in cool conditions-weather is not summer here yet but good to walk in and the sun came out from the murk as mid day arrived. It has been cool morning and evenings so far but still about 20 degrees during the afternoon.
We walked along the coastal route from Porto city and had a lovely time with the breeze in our faces and the  sound of the waves crashing to shore. A turbulent sea with golden sands and rocky coves for miles. We walked on board walks most of the time as the sand was deep and hard going. My body does not love me tonight!

We walked through quaint fishing villages with nets and cages drying in the sun. Men mending nets and women at work in their gardens. The bays were treacherous-very rocky and narrow entrances so we marvelled at their skill as sailors.

Vila Char was a charming fishing village with character houses and gardens full of familiar plants.Pohutakawa is grown here in vast numbers, apparently highly desirable because it can withstand the harsh coastal conditions thrown up by the Atlantic Ocean storms.

We saw an iron age settlement with the remains of a domestic house at Capela ,rather Celtic in shape and design, the remains of Roman salt tanks and old sailing ships from the days when Portugal ruled the waves.
We walked through sand dunes and along dusty roads-saw my first snake lying on the path-fortunately tiny and sound asleep.We lunched in the sun at the highest point on the way today, 125 m. A rocky outcrop with a climb for the view.

We finally arrived after 6 hours of walking and found we have a lovely hotel room,bags were waiting as promised and a lovely shower as a bonus.
We quickly changed and left to see the lace making museum nearby as it closed at six.We were able to see the lacemakers at work-fascinating skill so bought a small sample to frame.

The day ended with a superb meal at a local cafe -14 euros and four courses including wine,water and coffee and an appetiser! Amazing.Prices are low, coffee for Brad and myself along the way was two euros.
Anyway it is time to sleep so greetings to you all. I hope all is well in NZ. Miss you but having fun.