Stage 10. Coimbra to Alfeloas - 35kms, sunny and hot

A big day of road walking today as we left Coimbra and environs. The morning light was warm and autumnal, slanting through mist and some smoke haze.

A little surprisingly, we encountered only four other pilgrims - a couple from Germany and these two women behind Sarah and Annemarie, from the US.

We passed through small hamlets and by prosperous looking fields.

We're not sure if this household was sprouting love or war, or both!!

One section of road walking, in particular, was the busiest section we have walked. It culminated in us walking into a busy local market where everything seemed to be happening at once. - talk about sensory overload.

We retreated into a little cafe for our mid-morning cuppa.

And then we were off again, this time along a bush track - a welcome relief from the road walking.

Corn drying on someone's driveway. Bet you've never seen that in Canberra!

And two peregrinas also baking in the sun!!

Charles, this one is for you - note the distance to go!

A drinking fountain with attitude!

We were aiming to stay in Anadia and an albergue there, but the albergue, a little room in the Catholic central school with mattresses on the floor, turned out to be in a village 2km on. One of those days where it's always just a bit further on.

As with all of Europe, you come across so many interesting houses and buildings, which adds to the character of these villages.

This weather vane has a bit of attitude too!

So we are safely ensconced in an Irish pub in a small village, the beer is cold and, as van Morrison would say, 'the craic is good'. Annemarie is writing poetry and Geoff is blogging, as are we. There is the welcome prospect of some form of dinner before us. We are glad for the walk and also happy to have stopped for the day. Tomorrow is likely to be another long day, but we are holding up well to these stages and they mean we will have a bit more time in Porto in a few days.

Bom caminho,

Neil and Sarah

PS. For another perspective on the day, check out Geoff's blog at caminotime.blogspot.com.au. Alternatively, just google caminotime.