Camino Daily Photo 52

I think that most pilgrims will tell you that people make the Camino Experience what it is. Regardless of the Camino route, the hiking will be great and the passage through time and history fascinating. The antiquity of this part of the world is quickly realized the first time one walks across a Roman bridge or enters a church dating from the Middle Ages. But, the people one meets along The Way leave the most enduring memories of this journey across this countryside. As we are about to end this trek, Santiago is now only a few kilometers away, we enjoy a last bit of refreshment with a Dutch and German friend who we've known most of the way since leaving Porto. People come and go from your Camino family, but after any number of days walking, one is bound to meet up with someone you've met earlier in your travels. One only walks alone if that is what you want to do. Otherwise, friendships seem to blossom without a great deal of effort and become an endearing part of most people's Camino. 

Camino Daily Photo 51

Perhaps the single most important thing for pilgrims on the Camino is foot care! I can't overemphasize the importance of good shoes, good socks, and a light backpack for preventing blisters or other foot problems. We both walked in high quality waterproof Merrells. For this Camino, I also alternated Injinji toe socks with my Moreno wool hiking socks. On the CF last year, my blister problem started on my toes. The toe socks keep the toes from rubbing together thus reducing the friction and the possible occurrence of blisters. No problems at all this year! Whenever we took a break, off came the shoes and socks to air out the feet a bit. Changing socks mid-hike every day also reduces the moisture inside your shoes. Luckily in both Spain and Portugal, pharmacists are the hikers best friend when it comes to foot, knee, or leg ailments. Ibuprofen cream was a real life saver after many hours on the cobblestones! Bom Caminho! 

Camino Daily Photo 50

The major hill on the CP is that of the Alto de Portela Grande about 5 km before you reach Rubiāes. In comparison with some the the climbs on the Camino Francés, this 405m ascent will get the blood to your heart pumping a bit, but is neither overly long nor difficult. At the top there is a great view to the east of the surrounding hills and countryside making is definitely clear that you are in a very rural part of Portugal. The top was also a great place to stop for awhile before descending and in just a few kilometers reach our stopping point for the day the Albergue O Ninho (The Nest). This, too, proved to be another great spot to spend the night with an excellent restaurant, the Bom Retiro, just a couple hundred meters down the road. The next morning, after crossing another wonderful bridge from the Roman era, we were on our way to Tui leaving Portugal behind us.

Camino Daily Photo 49

As we arrived in the village of Mos, about halfway betwen O Porriño and Redondela, we couldn't help but notice this most interesting wooden/thatched structure near the church. Although most pilgrims probably hike right through this town, there are a couple nice cafe/bars Where one can enjoy a most welcomed morning café con leche as we did. If you had started from Tui that day and didn't want to go all the way to Redondela, you could overnight here at the Albergue Casa Blanca.

Camino Daily Photo 48

Along The Way, one runs into a number of depictions of Saint James. Some very classic; others, quite modern! With his characteristic hat and scallop shell, it's hard to mistake him, regardless of art style, as anyone other than the pilgrim on his journey to Santiago. We found this most playful portrait, a very caricature-like image, in Padrón. 

Camino Daily Photo 47

As is often said, we all walk our own Camino. For us, leaving just as the sun was coming up was part of how we liked to greet each new day. With backpack on, the fresh morning air and quiet city streets made it seem as if we were the only pilgrims on this journey (at least at this time of day). One thinks about the many people behind shuttered windows who aren't even aware of our passing by. Soon enough this stillness will be broken by early morning traffic and locals going to work or opening up their shops. We are now in search of our first café con leche! It's the start of another beautiful day hiking on the Camino Portugués !

Camino Daily Photo 46

Here's an Irish proverb that I ran across that seemed most fitting as it captures the attitude taken by so many pilgrims as they walk the Camino: 

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam...