Surround sound of gunshots popping were heard as we trudge through enormously tall and endless fields of corn. In this maze of corn, only Duncan encounters two beagles and a hunter with rifle in hand. Hopefully it’s not open season for pilgrims.
Like thieves in the night, we are on the way under moonlight to avoid afternoon sun. GPS Camino Apps take away 95% of the stress from finding the route. It’s like being Hansel and Gretel following a trail of cookie crumbs. It’s being prepared for the 5% when devises fail that counts.
To each their own. Some prefer cycling over walking. Some prefer telephoning over silence. But all prefer head-soaking from the city fountain on such a hot afternoon.
Tomatoes blanket the ground like endless fields of Easter eggs. The past days of industrial complexes are pleasantly replaced by agriculture.
Starting with the moon and Orion over head, we are able to walk a Herculean distance. Since Covid, there are fewer accommodations and those open are not always conveniently located.
Train and trucks…only interrupted by one bull is today’s Camino. The bull is not killed in Portugués’ bull fights, rather deftly outmaneuver. Olé!
Today’s picks….
Vila Franca de Xira is know for its bull fights and running of bulls through the city.
“Are you Linda?” comes a soft voice. I was overwhelmed to find Christian standing by the river front café. We met June 2014 on the Camino France (Spain). By happenstance our itinerary for the Portugués Camino overlap. All that is missing is his brother Bertrand also from the 2014 Camino. Now we walk.
Living up to its reputation as an unsightly commercial district, the outskirt of Lisbon is dominated by trains, trucks, storage containers, and warehouses. As my eyes constantly roam for way markers, I look for beauty in a sea of commerce.
Linda Scandore 