Stage 15. Vila do Conde to Barcelos - 31kms, sunny and warm

We are sitting on the bank of the Rio Cavado, overlooking a mediaeval bridge complete with mill wheel still intact. Above the bridge are the ruins of a mediaeval fort, a Romanesque church and colourful gardens. The river itself is in full flow and cascading over a ford just in front of us. 

What a beautiful spot to be staying for the evening! Our albergue is twenty metres from where we are sitting. It feels like the kinds of albergue we were more used to from our last Camino with about twenty bunk beds in the room. The difference is that so far at least we are two of three people there, so for 5 euros each for the night, it seems a pretty good deal. We are technically in Barcelinhos, and just over the bridge is Barcelos, which our guide book describes as a lively market town full of beautiful historic buildings. We will see more on our way through the town tomorrow morning.

Our day began equally spectacularly as we left Vila do Conde at sunrise, via the 18th century aqueduct that runs from the town for an amazing 6kms and 999 arches.

At times traversing open land, at times built into people's back yard walls, the aqueduct marked our way for the first part of the morning's walk.

We were crossing back from the coast to the inland route, and enjoyed the path through hill and vale.

As usual, we saw many churches and shrines along the way. This one was on the site of a Roman temple, and we liked its lovely door.

More impressions.

Towards the end of the day, we climbed and walked through a forested path, that again reminded us strongly of Australia. 

And earlier in the day we passed this street.

Overall, it's been a varied and lovely day on the Camino, and we are feeling very happy with our choice to come inland. One of the things that struck me was the return of more familiar sounds after our day on board walks and with a constant sea breeze. So to the haiku ...

Feet crunch, poles clack, brook

gurgles, birds warble. Sweet

Camino soundtrack.

Tonight we'll sleep with the sound of the river flowing over the ford, although there could be the odd snoring pilgrim!!

Bom caminho,

Sarah and Neil

PS. How's this for a cute community library??