Greg's Wanderings

Tag: Braca

  • Day 13 – Branca to Arias

    Day 13 – Branca to Arias

    Sept 23

    The day ahead promised to be pleasant weather-wise and tonight’s hostel did not have check-in until 3 PM. So I was in no hurry to get on the trail. I slept in till almost 7:30. Our host had a nice breakfast laid out for us and it was a little hard to say goodbye to Paulo and his French volunteer.

    I am writing this segment as I’m taking my 15K break at a café and having an ice cold Coca-Cola. I had stopped at 5K at a café and ran into several people who left earlier than I from our donativo as well as Simon, Paul and Amelia who had spent the night a little further up the trail.

    So far today, we have been mainly on sidewalks and pavement, going up and down numerous hills.

    I am trying very hard to resist the urge to look at my phone app and instead rely on the yellow arrows marking our path and common sense as to which way to go when it is unclear. 

    So far that is only got me into trouble one time when I was busy watching kids waiting to catch a bus and missed an intersection where I should’ve turned right. After a few hundred meters of not seeing any arrows I give in to temptation and look at my map. Sure enough, I had missed a turn just before the kids and took the two long sides of the triangle instead of the hypotenuse. 

    I arrived at our hostel at 2:45 – 15 minutes before they open. There is an attached bar, so I order a beer and wait.  In a few minutes, Simon (Australia) joins me.  Then Paul (Germany) and Amelia (Finland).  

    I’m sharing a room today with Meelis and Phillipe who only speaks French.   The good news is that we have an attached bathroom and for the first time in three nights I won’t need to get dressed to go outside to access a bathroom. 

    While we’re waiting for the adjacent restaurant to open, Dan, Meelis, Marcia, Eda and I are enjoying the few remaining rays of sunshine on a patio in back of the hostel. 

    Tomorrow, on to Porto and my second rest day.  

    Tiny Library in Branca
    I guess those old stone walls need occasional maintenance
    You can visit the shrine, but know you’ve taken a wrong Camino turn
    My shadow in the N1 highway below
    Pumpkins!
    Part of today’s trek was REALLY close to the train tracks
    The best part of today’s waalk
    I snapped the photo when he looked happy, but he was snarling at me
    Re-cobbling the street
    Church in Oliveira de Azemeis
    An old corn silo. Designed to be mouse proof.
    While the roads were not too busy, some were lacking in the shoulder department
    Church in Sao Joao da Madeira
    Another church in Sao Joao
    My first glimpse of the Atlantic
    Eda, Dan & Marcia trying to find the last rays of sun.
  • Day 12 – Aguela to Branca

    Day 12 – Aguela to Branca

    Sept 23

    It’s cold outside.   For the first time, the morning temperate is in the single digits (7 C/44 F) with a high expected of only 22 (71 F).

    As I’m typing this, it’s 5 am and I’m trying to be silent so I don’t wake my three bunkmates: Meelis (Estonia), Paul (Germany) & Amelia (Finland).  

    It’s roughly 75km to Porto, the next major city.  It’s the starting point for most people doing the Camino Portuguese and a decision point as the trail splits.  Some, like my friend Meelis will choose the coastal route and stay near the ocean for about a week.  Others, such as the Italians Nicos, Cristiano and Mariana will be going home, as they are only on a two-week holiday.  

    For me, I am choosing the traditional Central Route after an extra rest day in Porto.  

    But before reaching Porto and the crowds that wait beyond, we have two more nights where nearly everyone on the trail is a friendly face. 

    The walk today was a combination of small villages, eucalyptus “forests” (more like recently planted tree farms) and lots of encounters with the N1 Highway – over, under, across and alongside. 

    Tonight I will be having my first experience in a donotivo alberge. It is run by a veteran of many pilgrimages and you pay what you can afford.  Dinner and breakfast are provided. 

    Old elementary school that is no longer in use.
    Descending into a river valley
    Morning reflections
    Through the eucalyptus “forest”
    Friendly goats. They ran over to great me
    Eucalyptus harvest in full swing. Used for paper pulp
    Remnants of a forest fire.
    Watch for pilgrims!
    Our alberge for the night. Post cover shot is another view.
    Donation box to leave or grab things you need