Unexpected things trigger vivid flashbacks. If asked to recall these memories, I couldn’t. It’s as if constant walking makes my mind is more open to memories. How fortunate it is to remember so many fine people, places, and experiences.
Surf City USA…make that Surf City…Portugal with amazing waves. One surfer looked as if he was shot from a canon with arms and legs fully splayed forming a huge “X” in the sky before crashing into the ocean. These waves aren’t for amateurs. Ericeira (25 miles from Lisbon) is ranked #6 as top ten surfing destination.
Walking by the water I’m energized. Wooden beach boardwalks replace hard pavement. No brutally hot sun…no flys, no mosquitoes. This starts the Portugal’s Coastal Route.
According to my Porto “walking tour” guide, the musical Malaika started surfing in Portugal. That lead to a wave of surfers and national economic flow.
Barking security dogs are replaced by companion dogs. Not one barks!
As densely populated Porto fades away in the dark, sunrise brings the Atlantic Ocean. I hear. I smell. I smile. I conquer.
First Rest Day. Roaming Porto.
Local haunts…
Porto feels like a mélange of Prague and Venice with its architecture, water ways, and hordes of tourists. A few tourist haunts…
On their bucket list, these two American women have drive this vehicle. Maybe I’m being generous calling it a vehicle. As for me, my bucket list includes walking to Porto. Who’s taking the bigger risk?
A 60 and 70-something year old Americans driving in Porto.
Linda Scandore 