Early Start and First Steps
Tonight was a much better sleep. Having learned from previous days, I adjusted my sleeping bag for more comfort, and I think I actually got some decent rest. It’s a shame, though, that once I wake up at five in the morning, I can’t fall back asleep – just like today. My ankle didn’t hurt in the morning, but I decided to find a pharmacy along the way and grab some tape. This time, I had breakfast under control – I’d bought a baguette the night before, some kind of cream cheese, and croissants. Over breakfast, I met a woman from Šumava, and we had a good chat. Still, I set off at 8:20 AM.
First Kilometers and a Norwegian Pilgrim
After five kilometers, I treated myself to a coffee. There, I met an eighty-year-old guy from Norway – incredibly vital and wiry. After coffee, I ate two more croissants from yesterday and kept going. Today, we mostly cross paths with the same people on the trail: a young guy, whose origin I still don’t know, a girl from Croatia I’ve seen at accommodations for two nights now, the Norwegian grandpa, or acquaintances from the USA and Korea – actually, not Japan!
Meeting Šárka and Cooling Off by the River
Along the way, I met Šárka, a girl from Czechia I’d seen on the first night. We walked together for about four hours. I found her resting, so I took a break too and offered her my last croissant. Further down the path, we stumbled upon a river where that mysterious guy was already cooling off. Šárka went for a swim, while I just dipped my feet and my neck gaiter – even that needed a bit of refreshing!
A little further on, we were surprised by something like trail magic – a little treat on the path.
Rest and More Kilometers
At 2:42 PM, I took a longer break. I already had 24 kilometers in my legs, so I let them air out a bit. My ankle held up great today, but my other leg started to hurt – some tendon below the knee? Plus, my ears, neck, one arm, and calves are sunburnt. But what does it matter – it’s beautiful!
Arrival in Ponte de Lima
After 33 kilometers, I arrived in Ponte de Lima – a beautiful town with an amazing river, bridges, and fantastic accommodation for just €5.
At the accommodation, there was already a German pilgrim, the Norwegian grandpa, a woman from Peru, and someone new. After a shower, I ran into Šárka. We went for dinner together – I had something like a kebab with local beer for €6.20. Upon returning, Douglas (USA) and Li (Korea) were at the albergue and joined me. So, good night, and we’ll see what tomorrow brings. Buen Camino!
