Left Tamel (São Pedro Fins) and within 15 minutes we needed to put on all our rain gear. Of course, once we had it all on, it stopped raining. We had to walk 1.5 hours before coffee…you would have laughed to see me almost run down the hill to the cafe. It’s amazing how hungry hikers can get; even with a late supper, we awaken with rumblings for food.
Because of recommendations, we planned to stay at Casa de Fernanda, a private home that provides accommodations for nine pilgrims in a newly built bungalow. We were also looking forward to a short day, wanting our feet to recover from the cobblestones. Best decision–especially because it rained all afternoon.
When we arrived, there were two people there from Brazil
, one a priest. After a short while, four South Africans from Capetown arrived, and then a doctor from Germany. Once we got settled in and had lunch in the hosts’ lovely kitchen, we returned to the cabin where we enjoyed an adult “pajama party”. Two of the South Africans went to the market and returned with six bottles of red wine and two of port. We spent the afternoon warm, comfy, and sheltered, sipping vinho tinto and regaling at each other’s stories. I had tried to write in my journal but quickly put it away to partake in the camaraderie.
That evening the hosts Fernanda, Jacinto, and their daughter Marianna served us a delicious “supa verde”, kale soup, and salad from their garden, homemade bread, and baked chicken which they raised. After the meal, they extended their hospitality with stories, and regional songs and dances. What fun! Thank you, Ingrid and Tracy, for the recommendation.
After breakfast and goodbyes, we had a leisurely walk to Ponte de Lima. This was one of our best days for walking–easy climbs, mostly asphalt, and ideal weather. In Ponte de Lima, the winds picked up and it got cooler as the clouds went over the mountain. I expect rain again tonight.
We had lunch near the bridge (Ponte de Lima). I have been craving a tuna fish sandwich and this cafe offered one. When traveling in a foreign country, one must be open to variations in customs. Dennis and I laughed; this sandwich not only contained lettuce, tomato, and tuna, but also ham, cheese, and a fried egg. Once again, I was ravenous and quickly consumed the sande.
Tonight we will try a local, spicy stew (Arroz Sarrabulho) …something different from the ubiquitous fried cod, sardines, or pork steak. Tomorrow is supposed to be our hardest day as we climb 18 km (11 mi) over the mountain. The day after that we should be in Spain.