Monday 26 September 2016

Stage 14. Porto to Vila do Conde - 32kms, mild and sunny

Porto partied last night and it turns out there was a nightclub in our 'quiet' looking street. The boom box stopped at 6.30, just as we were rising, and dozens of people spilled into the street looking a little worse for wear. Undaunted, our pilgrim crew donned packs, took up sticks and walked. Overnight rain had cleared but a sea mist enveloped the city making the first few kilometres of the walk quite ethereal.




Thanks to Geoff and Annemarie's good planning and navigation, we found our way down to the river front and headed towards the last bridge crossing the Douro before the ocean. It too was shrouded in mist, which made for some interesting photos...





When the sun began to rise, we were making good progress towards the mouth of the river.



This statue of an angel was quite impressive in this early morning blaze.




Today's stage was right along the coastline, which made for a very different set of photos and experiences. There were many boardwalks and beaches as well as a few rocky outcrops and headlands. We were accompanied by the sound of waves, the sea breeze and the cries of gulls, which are enormous here.








We were also struck by the increased pilgrim traffic on this stage. Many peregrinos begin this way in Porto, so we encountered a number of people setting out on their first day of walking. 


Traditional fishing villages on our way.





We walked the final stretch into Vila do Conde along the beach, which reminded us of the beach at Finisterra at the end of our last Camino.




Nothing like a shower at the end of the day. A surfing Camino?? Next, he'll be wanting a pastry Camino (in joke!!)


We've been debating for a few days whether to continue on the coastal route or move back inland onto the more historic route. We've loved this day on the coast, but are now feeling that the inland route is calling us. So tomorrow, we begin by following the ancient aqueduct out of Vila do Conde and who knows what other graces the day will bring!!

Bom caminho,
Sarah and Neil

















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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous26 September 2016 at 03:04

    I can identify with the cartoon at the end of your post, except the "selfmade shortpants"--are people really cutting off their trouser legs?

    A fantastic day of walking, it appears, starting in the fog and then moving along through the bright sunshine beside the Atlantic. I'm curious to see what the historic route will look like tomorrow.

    Bom Caminho!

    Ken

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  2. Karina26 September 2016 at 07:33

    Another amazing statue, made eerily lifelike by the play of light and mist and shadow. What a beautiful morning. I can almost smell the sea air with you!

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  3. Unknown26 September 2016 at 11:59

    I have just caught up on your week of walking. My what a way you have travelled. THere are again some delightful photos. I loved the one of the feathery type grass against the sand and the umbrellas were just magic. What a sight to have seen. And they seem to be announcing good weather - maybe protection for a touch of sun! The ones from this post of the early morning mist were also beautiful to see. Giving a sense of Mystery and Presence. Happy continued walking.
    Helen

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  4. Unknown26 September 2016 at 14:26

    I have also just caught up on your last week of walking and commentary. It is wonderful to follow your journey and to see how there are metaphors emerging from it for life that will bear fruit for many years to come, for you and others. It is also great to see you on a journey of 'way open' (compared with 'way closed') - a positive and fulfilling place to be. Blessings.
    Heather

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  5. Unknown26 September 2016 at 19:55

    Beautiful photos on this stretch, lots of patterns and the ethereal shots in the fog were impressive. I hope your future route is also rich and fruitful.

    Merilyn

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