My current view…

If you know your beers, you’ll recognize from the picture that I am now in Spain. I’m watching the end of the Colombia/Senegal game while rehydrating from the day. Today’s walk was only 12.6 miles but with other wandering around I’m now at 16 miles on my Fitbit. Even though the walk wasn’t strenuous, the sun made sure I did my fair share of sweating.

Justine, Maurice and I took off a bit earlier than the rest of the group today and made good time on our way to Valença, Portugal. This Roman times town has a fortress around the original city and overlooks the Minho River (the border with Spain). While exploring the fortress walls, I found a geocache that looks over the river to Tui, Spain. Our home for the evening.

Leaving the albergue this morning we were treated to the best morning view yet. It was a view that reminded me of many mornings on the Camino Frances.

The walk had some steep downhills through beautiful countryside early on and flattened out for the rest of the day. A few times we walked over old Roman bridges or roads. It’s impressive to see how they have lasted over time but definitely don’t make for the easiest walking on the Camino.

I was sad to leave Portugal today as it’s one of my favorite countries. I love the people, the scenery and the food so much. But at the same time I was looking forward to the familiarity of Spain. I get to say “Buen Camino” again!

So far Tui is an adorable city to explore. With a long day tomorrow I am afraid to walk around too much as I’d like to spare my feet a bit. But the area around our albergue is a busy and fun spot with lots of restaurants, hidden walkways and churches to explore. I’m also enjoying seeing all the familiar faces of pilgrims we’ve been meeting or passing on The Way.

Five more days to Santiago. I definitely don’t want it to be over that quickly. I’m just starting to feel comfortable in the pilgrim routine again.