After a reviving sleep at Casa D’ Joao, we rose for breakfast. The American ladies we’d met the evening before were also there. We chatted all things USA politics. After their holiday, they’re going back to Pennsylvania to door knock for Kamala Harris. Go you good things!
We all agreed that Casa D’ Joao was a great place to stay.
We had 2 options this morning, stay on the foothills or head back down to the coast. It was decided that the coast may be easier on those with blistered feet, so we meandered our way down the hill to Afife Beach.
From there, it was more boardwalks, tracks and scrubby trails.
It was humid and smoky. Occasionally there would be some relief with a cooling breeze.
We made our way into Vila Praia de Ancora for morning tea. The skies were clearing, we left the shade and it made for some hot walking on flat tracks.
The flat track went on and on.
Our aim was to get to Caminha where we would cross the Rio Minho by boat into Spain.
The last 3km were on a dead straight, unshaded trail. Our feet were getting hot and we were all desperate to stop and have a cold beer.
We called a boatman and booked in, thinking we could eat on the south side of the river. When we met him he advised against this, saying the food on this side was crap. Best eat where I drop you in Spain, he said.
Do you trust the ferryman before he’s got you to the other side?
We chose to, even paid him up front.
In the end, his advice was sound. The lunch at Hotel El Molino was exceptional.
Scallops, pulpo, calamares and a steak for Maureen. All washed down with a couple of bottles of delicious white wine.
We were very happy pilgrims, some happier than others, if you know what I mean.
Claire and I had a quick dip after lunch. My guess, the Atlantic was about 15 degrees. Bracing!
There was talk of a taxi for the last few kilometres into A Guarda. Calls were made to no avail, we’d have to put on the wobbly boots and walk. I’m glad we did, it was stunning scenery.
Finally, after 25 or so kilometres, we made it to the Hotel Celta for a well deserved shower.
So, back to the title of today’s blog, this photo translation says it all. Apparently this is a white wine. When we asked the waiter about this, he shook his head, no good, no good.
The Long Portuguese Camino 