I reckon I slept pretty well. I tossed and turned a bit towards morning, but it was alright. Around six, the kids came in, so we chatted, tickled each other, and did all the usual morning silliness. Then it was time to get up and take the dogs out. The forecast promised the rain would quit any minute.
But then, an SMS from TAP Airlines popped up. It said the flight was full, and my carry-on would be checked into the hold for free. That threw a wrench in my plans – how was I going to sort that out? My pack holds meds that absolutely can’t go in the hold, and I don’t have another bag. I just hoped I could explain it reasonably at the airport and fight for my backpack.
Last-Minute Prep in Rainy Prague
It was barely raining outside, so I just grabbed my puffy jacket and headed out. But Murphy’s Law kicked in right away – it started pouring even harder! I got back home a bit damp, but my wife was already whipping up pancakes for breakfast. We ate together, my son and I squeezed in a bit more drawing, and I did one last gear check.
I added some extra rainproofing to my pack. The material should hold up, but better safe than sorry. I used my tried-and-true trick: line my pack with a big trash bag, load all my stuff inside, and twist the bag shut. Simple and effective. After nine, I said my final goodbyes and headed for the metro. Prague was seriously chilly, and suddenly, despite all the excitement, I really didn’t want to go. You know that feeling right before you head out?
Airport Security and Liftoff for Portugal
By 11:00 AM, I was already past security. I had to open my pack because they wanted to use a hand scanner, but then they waved me right through. It surprised me a bit; I was already wondering what they thought was off about my gear! I wanted to buy a liter bottle of water for the journey, but they only offered 0.5L, 0.75L, or larger. The only liter option was Coca-Cola, and I wasn’t having that. So, I ended up with a 0.75L Rajec, and I’d have to track down a proper bottle for the Fisherman’s Trail once I hit Portugal.
Our flight was scheduled for 12:30 PM, but at 12:16 PM, no one was boarding yet. We eventually pushed back from the gate half an hour late. I sat by the window right over the wing, watching the world go by. The plane seemed to be hosting a lot of small kids, so I was curious about how peaceful the flight would be.
No Such Thing as Coincidence: Meeting Fellow Hikers
The biggest surprise hit me right after I sat down. Next to me sat a couple, Lucka and Karel, who were heading for the exact same trek! From what I could see around me, I definitely wouldn’t be hitting the Fisherman’s Trail solo. Lucka and Karel ended up joining me for the entire journey from the airport. We rode the metro together, stocked up at Lidl, and waited for the bus to Porto Covo.
We even sat across the aisle from each other on the same bus and discovered we were on the same flight home, too. Lucka had walked this route two years ago with her daughter, so this year she was guiding her husband. They’ve really racked up the miles – from Asia to South America. Unlike me, they already had all their accommodations and return journey booked. My plan only covered tonight in Porto Covo. Maybe I’ll try to sort something out now on the bus, even though I’m pretty wiped out.
Tomorrow, we finally hit the trail for real. Getting to the trailhead was a success, and I’m stoked for what those first sandy miles will bring.
Daily Summary:
- Transport: Prague Metro, flight to Lisbon, Lisbon Metro, bus to Porto Covo.
- Interesting Encounters: Fellow hikers Lucka and Karel (same route, same flight back!).
- Supplies Status: Lidl run done, food ready for tomorrow.
- Highlight of the Day: Unexpectedly meeting others heading for the same trek.
- Weather: Cold and rainy in Prague, expecting sun in Portugal.
Tomorrow morning, we start! How do you handle those pre-trip jitters? Do you ever get that last-minute urge to just stay home? Let me know in the comments!
