Camino Day 3: Lots of rain and good conversation
Pedra Furada to Barcelos on the Camino Portugés Central Route
Distance walked: 8.3 mi (13.4 km)
Total walked so far: 43.6 mi (70.2 km)
Route taken: Pedra Furada to Barcelos
Video update:
Got the most sleep so far, at 7 hrs. While falling asleep last night I booked an inexpensive private room. Thankfully I did that correctly given that I nodded off while making the booking! Seeing the pouring rain this morning (1.5” expected) I’m glad I’ll have an assured place to stay dry tonight.
Just me and Britta (38 year old German woman) left at the albergue, as Chris (the other American) left early. She asked if I’d like to walk together and I agreed. Today I feel ready to walk with someone else as some conversation should help speed the miles in this crappy weather!
Stopped early for a nice coffee and some pastries. After yesterday’s much delayed lunch, I grabbed an extra pastry to ensure I was fueled up! My confidence in my limited tourist-level Portuguese is only slightly better now 😂
We talked nearly all of the way to Barcelos which was a nice distraction from walking in the rain. II enjoyed learning about her life and sharing my own. Perhaps a bit too distracting as we got off the route for about 10 min but used a map to get back on track. It was a happy accident as we stumbled upon this really nice church where the bells were playing a lovely song which lifted our damp spirits. The Camino provides!
The rain let up when we got to Barcelos - at least for a little while - so ponchos were ditched and we walked around a bit considering lunch options. Britta and I found a local spot with great prices (par for the course here) and ordered some grilled fish and a beer (she got tea). We parted ways after lunch and headed to our respective lodging.
It feels weird to have walked only 8 miles today! It went really quickly so I guess perspective is everything 😂 But honestly, I’m welcoming the time to dry off and relax. My right leg is bothering me a bit more today so need to ensure I’m resting enough. My original reason for a short day was to have time to check out Barcelos. I still plan to do so albeit in a more limited way given the spotty weather.
Now caught up on my notes, and a little foot care finished (I managed one small blister resulting from walking in completely soaked shoes for almost 4 hrs), I’m thinking about heading out for a bit. I’m already excited to walk again tomorrow! I enjoyed chatting with Britta today but I’m glad to be starting on my own tomorrow. I really value the time to be present and think. That didn’t happen at all during the walk, but I’ll make time this evening. By the way- my pilgrim’s credencial is starting to get more interesting!
OMG my post-dinner shower was amazing! The water pressure was insanely high and there was a seemingly endless supply of hot water. I’m positively overjoyed by this simple thing 😂 You know that first shower at home after a long camping trip? It was that amazing.
Now that my clothes are also washed and hanging to dry, my wet shoes are stuffed with newspaper, and I’ve recorded my daily video, I feel accomplished. It’s time to relax, jot down a few notes down in advance of tomorrow’s alone time walking, and maybe watch a few videos just for fun before heading to bed. If I do, that will be the first time I watched any entertainment since landing in Lisbon five days ago!
Hi Jason! Thank you for sharing your daily experiences and recording the videos. I am a longtime subscriber of TSOFI. My retirement journey started last April at 55. So far it's fantastic with a good mix of travel, hobbies and time with family and friends. It's great to get your thoughts and process of your Camino travels. I am planning a hike with two longtime friends in April on the AT in VA. Only about 5 days but spending nights in a hostel similar to you. Looking forward to it! Enjoy your travels!
Greg