Our pilgrimage on Good Friday took us from Santarem to Golega. Jacqui and I walked the route and the others trained to about 15 kms short of their destination and walked the rest of the way. As Jacqui and I left Santarem we looked back and saw the remains of the ancient battlements that surrounded the town. We walked through vineyards, market gardens and lots of mud. A storm kept threatening, but we managed to stay just ahead of it except for about 10 minutes of rain. As we walked through one vineyard we came across an old chair that had a bottle of red wine and an orange - just waiting for tired pilgrims. The wine here has corks, I didn´t have my Swiss Army knife, so we very reluctantly left the wine for the next pilgrim. At Vale Figueria we stopped for lunch - another sandwich- but this one was accompanied by a lesson in Portuguese from a lady who was determined we would get the pronounciation correct. The route was well marked except for one part where two paths converged. We used our Bear Grylls skills and searched for fresh footprints in the mud made by two pilgrims we knew were just ahead of us. Further on there was a little confusion with Camino signs pointing in different directions. We opted for the official looking sign but soon met a Colombian couple and two German men who both thought they had taken the wrong route and turned back. We met the Germans later on, they seemed to have found their way. Our next stop was at Azinhaga for a cold drink before pushing on to Golega. The total route was 35kms. It was good to meet up with the rest of the team again. The beer tasted extremely good. Our accommodation was at Luisitanus, part of a stables complex where they train the Luistana horses.
What did I learn from the Camino today - well it was Good Friday so it seemed approprtaite that I pray my version of the Stations of the Cross, bringing to mind all those who are struggling in one way or another.
Photos: Ancient battlements of Santarem. The Camino provides. Story time in Azinhaga. Energy drink along the Way. One of the many very pretty cottages in the hamlets and villages we passed through. Azinhaga was particulary pretty with roses growing in front of the houses and around the street lamps. Golega - at last.
Commentaires