After staying in different spots a few kilometres apart, the four of us linked up today for breakfast and headed out on the trail. I didn't take too many photos as we walked as it was short and frankly not too much that was different from the other days. So I just enjoyed the walk with Neil as we had a nice chat. There was some scenery though.
Also the requisite Roman bridge...
And a cool cork tree that had turned brown where the bark was removed for corks. I've never seen this colour. In Spain the trunks are black underneath. 
Of course there is always of coffee break, but today we missed the turn into an albergue run by a couple from Canada. Not sure how that happened, but was sorry that it did. I've heard good things. However, when we did stop, I knew we were just a few kilometres from Spain!
My first in almost two weeks! I've been suffering:) life's tough! A major moment today when we went into this little church to get a stamp in our credentials...Neil almost lost his hat when he walked away without it! He ran back...pack on...to get it. Drop the pack Neil!! Hat safe!
Tonight we are staying in Valença which is centered around a beautifully preserved XII century fortress. What a fortress! It's quite extensive and intimidating, placed on the river looking across to Spain.
The albergue is closed for maintenance, perhaps clearing out a bed bug infestation, forcing Neil and Sarah across the bridge and into Tui, Spain...one hour ahead of those of us still in Portugal! We have a very cheap little place booked, thus freeing up beds in the albergue for younger peregrinos on a little more of a budget. We walked down to the bridge as Annemarie wanted to see Tui, but when she got there...
And again some very ripe grapes just hanging there just over our heads as we walked.
and saw the narrowish path across...
I knew I'd soon be sitting in a bar with a cold drink writing the blog...which I'm presently doing!
I think one crossing in the morning will be quite enough for my girl. On the other hand, I went out to take a few pictures...getting good at this!
We will see Tui in the morning on our way through.
We will meet for dinner tonight, so we went back up to the fortress for a brief look.
A pretty cool spot, and hey, just look at that flowing beard:)
We walk into Spain in the morning. Looking forward to understanding the language again. I've been a bit of a fish out of water. I'll post this then head off to do some planning for post Portugese. We think we might have a plan for the following two weeks if we can make it work...planes, trains and buses! One door closes...
another opens.
Bom Caminho!
I was excited by the can of Aquarius. Why can't they make that in North America? So much better than Gatorade or Powerade. . . .
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the photographs of the walk and the fortress. But what's "bed bug" in Portuguese? Better to be inconvenienced by having to cross that bridge a day early than to pick up hitch-hikers!
Bom Camino! (tomorrow I suppose it becomes ¡Buen Camino! again)
Ken