Day started with wonderful breakfast at Casa Fernanda.
As you can see we caught up Fr. Benard from Dublin.
Scenes walking to Ponte de Lima 17 km from Casa Fernanda.
We wrote our names as well as Tarah, Kevin, Ken, Lynne, Chris, Ceira and Rowyn will walk in our footsteps on the Camino. Should have written TKKL.
more scenes getting here.
Buen Camino
We were lucky to get in as it is always booked. We mer a number of peregrinos from all over the world. Even though we were early she invited us for coffee and snacks.
The dinner she cooked was awesome.
This is Maria.
it was a good time with fellow pilgrims, the camaraderie and fellowship of the journey.
Buen Camino
We stayed at the Residencial Solar da Estacaq. Reasonably priced and fits the budget. Rudolf Lopes runs the place, learned English watching TV and is a wonderful host. The bed is comfortable and shower was awesome – hot and powerful – excellent massage for sore muscles.
With Kay’s ankles slightly swollen and achy we didn’t want risk further injury on a long hike. Francisco the driver were able to communicate with my little understanding of Portugese and google translator’s help we communicated well. We took a ride from Barcelos to Balugaes to Casa Fernanda where we are staying the night. Francisco dropped us off at where the Camino trail started in Balugaes.
We met Angelika from Coblens, Germany and she was also going to Casa Fernanda and we walked together and before we realized we were there.
unfortunately we arrived earlier than expected. However, Maria as the wonderful host she is known for put out some coffee and bread as the restaurant were closed. As we were chatting but who else walks in to stay the night, it is Fr. Bernard from Dublin.
Buen Camino
It looks easy on the map until you walk it.
It is rocky and hilly with lots of ups and downs. We have lots of aches and pains for the 3rd of walking. But this is the Camino and pilgrimage suppose to be hard.
Most fields have vineyards at edge of every field. Some of the routes take us out of the roads.
It took another hour to find the hotel as google map doesn’t seem to work well.
So add another 2 km to the 15 for distance. Pretty sore. We will see how we manage tomorrow.
Many pilgrims send their bags forward but is another idea. We feel we have to carry our burdens but man it is difficult when you are 70.
Buen Camino
After a good breakfast we started out following the signs of the Camino. We are the only pilgrims on the road until after climbing a steep hill at Bagunte.
Crossing the bridge and climbing the hill. Then we reached the top and had a lovely chat with Diana
2 lady pilgrims caught up to us, our first contact of Peregrinos. But they were in a hurry. Then another Peregrino caught up to us. It is Fr. Bernard from Dublin, Ireland. We chatted for several kilometres.
That is looking at Arcos. Then Bernard took a picture of this lovely couple doing the pilgrimage.😊
Then met Noa and Nir from Israel but they are ”just Jews” 😀😀 doing the Camino. Benard took off to get out of the heat but we walked with couple to Rates.
Let Remi and Alberto and the other Knights of Columbus at St. Mark’s know I am representing by wearing the shirt.
Buen Camino
We took the Povoa de Varzim express so it didnt stop at our station so tracked back to Villar do Pinheiro.
Since started around 10 :30, it was too hot. Kay asked where all the signs for Camino. We walked a few for steps and there were the signs showing the way. No shoulders and very narrow roads
We are recuperating at Casa Vidal Familia.
Buen Camino
Buen Camino
We went everywhere on the hop-on/off bus. It has a long history much older than Canada.
It was good to see a fellow pilgrim looking lost by Cathedral Se and because of the Camino Portuguese group I could help. We bought our passports and our first stamps. We also bought our scallop shells and getting ready to go on Friday.
This is Tina a fellow pilgrim from Germany starting today on the Coastal Route.
Restored Church of Santa Clara.
Buen Camino
We walked from hotel Avenidad de Fatima to bus station. Travelled by bus to Porto.
Kay insisted we have to practice walking from Porto bus terminal to our hotel. However, using google in the narrow streets of Porto to find our hotel was a challenge. What was suppose to be 20 min walk ended up being 2 hours up and down Porto’s hilly roads.
We actually passed our hotel without knowing lead my google maps. A kind law student used her phone and guided to the hotel after calling for directions as it was hard to find.
Well we are here and will post pictures tomorrow.
Buen Camino
This is the first part of our pilgrimage following in my Mother’s footsteps. My mother did not have a child and she prayed to Our Lady of Fatima and I was born.
Our day started early and went back to Lisbon to get on the bus to Fatima. We arrived safely and walked by the square and the Basilica of the Holy Rosary.
There are pilgrims from different parts of the world. Masses are ongoing throughout day. At 9:30 is the candlelight rosary procession.
We have many candles to light for family, choir members, and friends, classmates – who are living and those who passed away. We will also remember In our prayers St. Mark’s Parish, Priests and Religious Brothers and Nuns and for so many people who have been part of our lives.
I will be remembering my special niece Shoba and nephew Soosairaj.
Buen Camino
The Alexander Camino 