Friday 31st of August 2012,
Well off on my own again today as Liz decided she wanted to have a rest day. So off to Figueira da Foz, only about 16km up the road and another sea side village .... feel a bit strange walking solo again .... but I do enjoy quietness and solitude. Get into town about 11am ... grab a coffee and laze in the shade of a tree in the park till lunch time. Have a burger for a change for lunch and then off for my afternoon siesta. Diner and then hang around the bar people watching ... its loud and noisy ... well its Friday evening.
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday 30th of August 2012,
We head of early on the way to Marinha das Ondas, about 26km up the road and inland again.
Weather high 20's again, but pleasant walking in the morning, its quite a large town.
Today instead of lunch at a cafe/bar grabbed some goodies from the supermarket and had a picnic in a park ... it was great for a change. Had a great steak for diner then another early night .
We head of early on the way to Marinha das Ondas, about 26km up the road and inland again.
Weather high 20's again, but pleasant walking in the morning, its quite a large town.
Today instead of lunch at a cafe/bar grabbed some goodies from the supermarket and had a picnic in a park ... it was great for a change. Had a great steak for diner then another early night .
Tuesday 28th of August 2012,
Today we walked some 23km to Marinha Grande a bit inland ....seem to be zig zaging up the coast,
The weather is warming up again today up around the 30's.
The walking is easy and only a few hills, make our destination in time for lunch. then the usual chores and off to investigate the town, then diner and an early night.
Today we walked some 23km to Marinha Grande a bit inland ....seem to be zig zaging up the coast,
The weather is warming up again today up around the 30's.
The walking is easy and only a few hills, make our destination in time for lunch. then the usual chores and off to investigate the town, then diner and an early night.
Monday 27th of August 2012,
Apologies for being lax with blog, have been a bit preoccupied.
Walked to Nazare, a coastal town some 24km walk. Bright sunshine and mid 20's day came across another person on the pilgrim trail, Liz a lady from British Columbia doing the Camino as well.
So walked together into Nazare .... it was great to be able to chat away in English again.
Apologies for being lax with blog, have been a bit preoccupied.
Walked to Nazare, a coastal town some 24km walk. Bright sunshine and mid 20's day came across another person on the pilgrim trail, Liz a lady from British Columbia doing the Camino as well.
So walked together into Nazare .... it was great to be able to chat away in English again.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Sunday 26th of August 2012,
Feeling a lot better this morning, headed out on the road and on to Caldas da Rainha about 15-16km.
A bit overcast this morning, but easy walking ... take my time and just dawdle along ... make it easily by lunch time. So enjoy the pleasant afternoon weather ... sun out and low 20's.
Feeling a lot better this morning, headed out on the road and on to Caldas da Rainha about 15-16km.
A bit overcast this morning, but easy walking ... take my time and just dawdle along ... make it easily by lunch time. So enjoy the pleasant afternoon weather ... sun out and low 20's.
Friday 24th of August 2012,
Coolish first thing this morning, set of on my way to Peniche about 8km away, had breakfast here .... had a look around town but decided to keep going onto Casais do Baleal, another 5-6km up the coast.
Good move, lots of accommodation .... great protected sandy beaches and lots of great surf beaches as well. Alas after diner got violently ill .... wont go into it ... but not a lot of sleep ... luckily had my own en-suite.
Coolish first thing this morning, set of on my way to Peniche about 8km away, had breakfast here .... had a look around town but decided to keep going onto Casais do Baleal, another 5-6km up the coast.
Good move, lots of accommodation .... great protected sandy beaches and lots of great surf beaches as well. Alas after diner got violently ill .... wont go into it ... but not a lot of sleep ... luckily had my own en-suite.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Thursday 23rd of August 2012,
Today is cooler and a bit fresh first thing in the morning, have booked a hostel in a small town up the coast call Casais do Julio, apparently near a popular surf beach. Some 28km today of up and down country side slow me a bit, but make the town by lunch time. Accommodation is more like a youth hostel, but have my own room, though communal showers, etc. I'm told its impossible to get accom here in the holiday season, so I am very lucky.
Today is cooler and a bit fresh first thing in the morning, have booked a hostel in a small town up the coast call Casais do Julio, apparently near a popular surf beach. Some 28km today of up and down country side slow me a bit, but make the town by lunch time. Accommodation is more like a youth hostel, but have my own room, though communal showers, etc. I'm told its impossible to get accom here in the holiday season, so I am very lucky.
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012,
Heading west towards the coast, as the towns are to small, insufficient accommodation or to far apart.
On my way to Torres Vedras, about 27km away, its going to be another warm day today and walking through hilly terrain.
Complete my walk about 12.30-1pm Torres Vedras is quite a large rural town with numerous bars, restaurants and different types of lodging. I have chosen a small guest house that is very comfortable.
Low 30's today, but apparently cooler conditions for the rest of the week.
Heading west towards the coast, as the towns are to small, insufficient accommodation or to far apart.
On my way to Torres Vedras, about 27km away, its going to be another warm day today and walking through hilly terrain.
Complete my walk about 12.30-1pm Torres Vedras is quite a large rural town with numerous bars, restaurants and different types of lodging. I have chosen a small guest house that is very comfortable.
Low 30's today, but apparently cooler conditions for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Tuesday 21st of August 2012,
The scenery was a bit better today but still built up areas that I am walking through. Today was about 24km to Alenquer, a largish town with some good accom available. Weather is heating up again around 33 today, but the mornings walk was ok and comfortable.
Well heading north on this path has limited places to stay, so in the morning will walk west and get onto a better route.
The scenery was a bit better today but still built up areas that I am walking through. Today was about 24km to Alenquer, a largish town with some good accom available. Weather is heating up again around 33 today, but the mornings walk was ok and comfortable.
Well heading north on this path has limited places to stay, so in the morning will walk west and get onto a better route.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Monday 20th of August 2012,
Started my walk towards Santiago de Compostela, From Lisbon Cathedral to Alverca do Ribatejo, about 25km ... and retracing footsteps of last week, except opposite direction. Walk nothing special,
walking on foot paths and on the verge of the road, walking through light industrial areas, beside train tracks. Warmish today, low 30's but walked in the cool of the morning ... tempo a bit slower today,but made it to Alverca about 12.30 .... some lunch then off to my accommodation, clean up and a rest as tired after to days walk. Haven't seen any scallop shells or signs to say I was on the Caminho Portuguese ... traditionally I believe it starts in Porto? Ah well its still about 300km to Porto.
Started my walk towards Santiago de Compostela, From Lisbon Cathedral to Alverca do Ribatejo, about 25km ... and retracing footsteps of last week, except opposite direction. Walk nothing special,
walking on foot paths and on the verge of the road, walking through light industrial areas, beside train tracks. Warmish today, low 30's but walked in the cool of the morning ... tempo a bit slower today,but made it to Alverca about 12.30 .... some lunch then off to my accommodation, clean up and a rest as tired after to days walk. Haven't seen any scallop shells or signs to say I was on the Caminho Portuguese ... traditionally I believe it starts in Porto? Ah well its still about 300km to Porto.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Sunday 19th of August 2012,
Wanted to have a look at some of the beaches in the area around Lisbon and after discussions with Amanda and Roland, the owners of my Hostel. Decided I needed to hire a car for the day .... car delivered to the door with maps etc and I am off with about 5 possible destinations to check out.
Wont be doing much laying in the sun .... as a lot of me is still rather white as the UV has been very high. Its feels funny driving, have no problems, find all the places I want to check out and more.
Home before its dark and car returned ... undamaged.
A leisurely diner at the hostel provided by my hosts, I provided the wine, a very enjoyable evening. Saying thankyou and goodnight to Amanda + Roland, I retired to my room and off to bed.
Wanted to have a look at some of the beaches in the area around Lisbon and after discussions with Amanda and Roland, the owners of my Hostel. Decided I needed to hire a car for the day .... car delivered to the door with maps etc and I am off with about 5 possible destinations to check out.
Wont be doing much laying in the sun .... as a lot of me is still rather white as the UV has been very high. Its feels funny driving, have no problems, find all the places I want to check out and more.
Home before its dark and car returned ... undamaged.
A leisurely diner at the hostel provided by my hosts, I provided the wine, a very enjoyable evening. Saying thankyou and goodnight to Amanda + Roland, I retired to my room and off to bed.
Saturday 18th of August 2012,
Must be getting used to doing nothing as I slept in this morning, a light breaky and off to the Botanical gardens for a few hours of wandering around. Ran into some people from yesterdays tour and had lunch with them and a little more wine than I should have. So home for a snooze then off to diner and another day gone. Saturday night, the restaurant is unusually quiet ..... well glad for that .... so home and a bit of TV and a quiet night for me.
Must be getting used to doing nothing as I slept in this morning, a light breaky and off to the Botanical gardens for a few hours of wandering around. Ran into some people from yesterdays tour and had lunch with them and a little more wine than I should have. So home for a snooze then off to diner and another day gone. Saturday night, the restaurant is unusually quiet ..... well glad for that .... so home and a bit of TV and a quiet night for me.
Friday, 17 August 2012
Friday 17th of August 2012,
Took my bus tour today, a bit of a laugh, being herded up and following around a guise with a brightly coloured hat and an umbrella. Well realised why I don't carry a camera, tourists and photos ....aaaahhhhhhh. You can't get to see something because they are taking up the best posy, and then they stand there and make sure the photo is a good one. Here I am caught up with this bunch of people and I think I'm feeling hemmed in. I guess I have have so much free space and isolation from the general hoards, I feel a bit claustrophobic, bunched up like this.
Well there are a few people I talk to on the tour that seem interesting and generally have a good time.
With tour out of the way, I make my way back to my Hostel, clean up and out to diner.
Took my bus tour today, a bit of a laugh, being herded up and following around a guise with a brightly coloured hat and an umbrella. Well realised why I don't carry a camera, tourists and photos ....aaaahhhhhhh. You can't get to see something because they are taking up the best posy, and then they stand there and make sure the photo is a good one. Here I am caught up with this bunch of people and I think I'm feeling hemmed in. I guess I have have so much free space and isolation from the general hoards, I feel a bit claustrophobic, bunched up like this.
Well there are a few people I talk to on the tour that seem interesting and generally have a good time.
With tour out of the way, I make my way back to my Hostel, clean up and out to diner.
Thursday 16th of August 2012,
A bit of a sleep , but up and about .... catch a tram into main tourist bureau to get info on where to go to register and start my Caminho and touristy things to do and see. Book in for an English speaking bus journey, for Friday.
As I wander about Lisbon, it looks well in need of a good paint job ... most of the buildings look quite shabby (Found out later that it was a very poor area that I was going through). But where I am staying must be the ritzy area, as buildings all clean and a lot have gardens and just up the road is a big hotel its called the Pestana Palace Hotel, old building but flash.
Found another restaurant just down the road with a great courtyard, very pleasant.
A bit of a sleep , but up and about .... catch a tram into main tourist bureau to get info on where to go to register and start my Caminho and touristy things to do and see. Book in for an English speaking bus journey, for Friday.
As I wander about Lisbon, it looks well in need of a good paint job ... most of the buildings look quite shabby (Found out later that it was a very poor area that I was going through). But where I am staying must be the ritzy area, as buildings all clean and a lot have gardens and just up the road is a big hotel its called the Pestana Palace Hotel, old building but flash.
Found another restaurant just down the road with a great courtyard, very pleasant.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Wednesday 15th of August 2012,
Early start today expecting a top about 28C today, thunderstorms still around and a ta muggy.
About 24km to where I am staying in the old part of town, its walking through suburbs and industrial stuff today. The noise and hustle and bustle of the city gets to me straight away ..... and I'm thinking what am I doing here, luckily my hostel is in an old mansion in a lovely area opposite a park and a little apart from the busy area and is very relaxing.
Bars and restaurants 5-10 minutes down the road so take it easy sit out in the courtyard and snooze of for a while .... then woken by other guests chattering and laughing.
Head out and do some exploring .... interesting city Lisbon.
Early start today expecting a top about 28C today, thunderstorms still around and a ta muggy.
About 24km to where I am staying in the old part of town, its walking through suburbs and industrial stuff today. The noise and hustle and bustle of the city gets to me straight away ..... and I'm thinking what am I doing here, luckily my hostel is in an old mansion in a lovely area opposite a park and a little apart from the busy area and is very relaxing.
Bars and restaurants 5-10 minutes down the road so take it easy sit out in the courtyard and snooze of for a while .... then woken by other guests chattering and laughing.
Head out and do some exploring .... interesting city Lisbon.
Tuesday 14th of August 2012,
Not quite as early a start as planned as slept in a bit, well getting close to Lisbon so towns and the walk is bit by bit getting more industrial and built up. As this part of the journey is basically following the river, its quite flat or just rolling hills.
Weather mild to warm with thunderstorms predicted, luckily make it to Alverca prior to the rain ...a walk of about 26km.
Get myself settled and go and sit in a bar/restaurant by the river... that's when the storm hit, thunder, lightning and very strong winds .... mayhem for about 15 minutes then all quiet again.
Well into Lisbon tomorrow and maybe a few days there to look around ... see how long I can take city life for.
Not quite as early a start as planned as slept in a bit, well getting close to Lisbon so towns and the walk is bit by bit getting more industrial and built up. As this part of the journey is basically following the river, its quite flat or just rolling hills.
Weather mild to warm with thunderstorms predicted, luckily make it to Alverca prior to the rain ...a walk of about 26km.
Get myself settled and go and sit in a bar/restaurant by the river... that's when the storm hit, thunder, lightning and very strong winds .... mayhem for about 15 minutes then all quiet again.
Well into Lisbon tomorrow and maybe a few days there to look around ... see how long I can take city life for.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Monday 13th of August 2012,
Not a huge day today only about 26-27km of pretty flat territory, Santarem to Azambuja ..... Up bright and early, breakfast, say farewell to all the family and thank them for there hospitality.
So back on the road, top of 29 expected and thunderstorms possible later in the day.
Arrive about 12.30-1pm .... the usual light lunch and siesta, early diner then the lights go out, no power. So sleep it is, then a sudden shock about 3am when all the lights come on.
Well its early morning and as I didn't get around to the blog last night.
Not a huge day today only about 26-27km of pretty flat territory, Santarem to Azambuja ..... Up bright and early, breakfast, say farewell to all the family and thank them for there hospitality.
So back on the road, top of 29 expected and thunderstorms possible later in the day.
Arrive about 12.30-1pm .... the usual light lunch and siesta, early diner then the lights go out, no power. So sleep it is, then a sudden shock about 3am when all the lights come on.
Well its early morning and as I didn't get around to the blog last night.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Sunday 12th of August 2012,
Sunday morning I am having a coffee out on the deck its 8.30ish William and his son Rick arrive to gather me up, flash car .... latest Range Rover, nice. Only a 10minute drive and we pull up at a rather flash house ... luckily I had not eaten breakfast, just coffee and one of those cakey things.
As a huge breakfast awaited ... all set up in the courtyard, very nice but too much to eat.
Then it was suggested some tennis, well have played in the past but must be 10-15 years since last time. Servived and managed to keep my end up .... well it was fun.
Then more food, lunch ... one of those all on the table hand hands and plates going everywhere,
lots of very nice vino .... then off to my room for a siesta then diner .... I feel like I have put on several kg today.
Its after midnight and it has been a great day, spent with these expat poms, retired to Prtugal.
They had invited me to stay another day or two, tempting, but no the path lays ahead and will continue on ahead with fond memories.
Sunday morning I am having a coffee out on the deck its 8.30ish William and his son Rick arrive to gather me up, flash car .... latest Range Rover, nice. Only a 10minute drive and we pull up at a rather flash house ... luckily I had not eaten breakfast, just coffee and one of those cakey things.
As a huge breakfast awaited ... all set up in the courtyard, very nice but too much to eat.
Then it was suggested some tennis, well have played in the past but must be 10-15 years since last time. Servived and managed to keep my end up .... well it was fun.
Then more food, lunch ... one of those all on the table hand hands and plates going everywhere,
lots of very nice vino .... then off to my room for a siesta then diner .... I feel like I have put on several kg today.
Its after midnight and it has been a great day, spent with these expat poms, retired to Prtugal.
They had invited me to stay another day or two, tempting, but no the path lays ahead and will continue on ahead with fond memories.
Saturday 11th of August 2012,
Up at first light and on my way to Santarem .... 36km, the most I have walking in one day for a while.
Luckily path follows the river valley and is pretty flat to gently undulating ... well away from major roads and freeways, so is relaxing with pleasant scenery .... day is cool to start with and warms up to its max of 30ish about 1pm .... get to destination about 1.30pm.
A bight to eat and a rest in my hotel ..... then out to diner and meet up with an English/Portuguese family celebrating a birthday. I am invited to join in and have a great night ... later I am invited to stay with them the next night. Say yes but wonder if I will be whisked away, hit on the head, sold into slavery.... who am I kidding, held for ransom, don't look like I have 2 bob to rub together and the hotel I'm staying in is about 2-3 star .... but think will wait and see as they are to pick me up from my hotel Sunday morning?
Up at first light and on my way to Santarem .... 36km, the most I have walking in one day for a while.
Luckily path follows the river valley and is pretty flat to gently undulating ... well away from major roads and freeways, so is relaxing with pleasant scenery .... day is cool to start with and warms up to its max of 30ish about 1pm .... get to destination about 1.30pm.
A bight to eat and a rest in my hotel ..... then out to diner and meet up with an English/Portuguese family celebrating a birthday. I am invited to join in and have a great night ... later I am invited to stay with them the next night. Say yes but wonder if I will be whisked away, hit on the head, sold into slavery.... who am I kidding, held for ransom, don't look like I have 2 bob to rub together and the hotel I'm staying in is about 2-3 star .... but think will wait and see as they are to pick me up from my hotel Sunday morning?
Friday, 10 August 2012
Friday 10th of August 2012,
Early morning off to Entroncamento, about 28km, not as hot do day so easier walking, arrived pre midday and very happy.
Lesss than a week from Lisbon and serviving, had lunch, ready for siesta, 3.15pm and 30C, the top for the day. Out to the bar for diner, friday night and lots happening, roudy, smoky and lots of fun .... still having some difficulty with Portuguese language, but with sign language its ok.
Early morning off to Entroncamento, about 28km, not as hot do day so easier walking, arrived pre midday and very happy.
Lesss than a week from Lisbon and serviving, had lunch, ready for siesta, 3.15pm and 30C, the top for the day. Out to the bar for diner, friday night and lots happening, roudy, smoky and lots of fun .... still having some difficulty with Portuguese language, but with sign language its ok.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Thursday, 9th of August 2012,
Bairro Cadete to Bairro Vermelho, 27-28km Like yesterday very hot again today so same as yesterday up and out just prior to first light. Get a move on as a nother long hall today ... due to distance apart of towns with accommodation. Country reasomable plat so make good time and get into Bairro Vermelho about 11.30am, temp in low 30's. Am able to check into room early so get cleaned up, do washing and head off to find a cafe/bar for some lunch and sit and watch the Oympics and relax. A bit of a siesta later then a light diner and back to do blog, posting yesterdays and todays here as very poor reception at yesterday location.
Bairro Cadete to Bairro Vermelho, 27-28km Like yesterday very hot again today so same as yesterday up and out just prior to first light. Get a move on as a nother long hall today ... due to distance apart of towns with accommodation. Country reasomable plat so make good time and get into Bairro Vermelho about 11.30am, temp in low 30's. Am able to check into room early so get cleaned up, do washing and head off to find a cafe/bar for some lunch and sit and watch the Oympics and relax. A bit of a siesta later then a light diner and back to do blog, posting yesterdays and todays here as very poor reception at yesterday location.
Wednesday 8th of August 2012,
Nisa to Bairro Cadete, about 30km and very hot today. Left Nisa just after 6am, still dark but street light and torch do well and its light shortly after.
keep up a good steady pace and make it to Bairro cadete just prior to midday and just as well temp up around low to mid 30's .... an expected to get to 40's today.
Usual lunch then check into accommodation , wash and have a snooze, then diner and back to room to plan next days walk.
Nisa to Bairro Cadete, about 30km and very hot today. Left Nisa just after 6am, still dark but street light and torch do well and its light shortly after.
keep up a good steady pace and make it to Bairro cadete just prior to midday and just as well temp up around low to mid 30's .... an expected to get to 40's today.
Usual lunch then check into accommodation , wash and have a snooze, then diner and back to room to plan next days walk.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Tuesday 7th of August 2012,
Out on the road at first light, only about 20km today and walking to a town that has three names????? Nisa also Nossa Senhoro da Graca ans Espinto Santo or its 3 towns all joined together.
Actually make it pre 11am as little to observe or distract along the way ... hardly had to move off the road for passing vehicles. Am a bit early to check into accom and find a cafe and have an iced coffee, yum. Well then the usual lunch and settle into room when available .... its very hot outside by now, up around 38C, have a sleep then off to diner, its now getting dark a bit after 9pm ... but still very hot.
A great diner of slow roasted goat, with lots of veggies, with a bottle of delicious Portuguese red wine.
Out on the road at first light, only about 20km today and walking to a town that has three names????? Nisa also Nossa Senhoro da Graca ans Espinto Santo or its 3 towns all joined together.
Actually make it pre 11am as little to observe or distract along the way ... hardly had to move off the road for passing vehicles. Am a bit early to check into accom and find a cafe and have an iced coffee, yum. Well then the usual lunch and settle into room when available .... its very hot outside by now, up around 38C, have a sleep then off to diner, its now getting dark a bit after 9pm ... but still very hot.
A great diner of slow roasted goat, with lots of veggies, with a bottle of delicious Portuguese red wine.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Monday 6th of August 2012,
Up early and out and about before dawn, lots of street lights to light my way, near 30kms to cover today ... heading to Porto do Tejo. I am walking to old main road, which unfortunately for part of the journey runs almost parallel to the very busy and noisy freeway. Well it wasn't as bad as I had expected ... I guess after several days in a large city, my ears had acclimatised to the noise.
Well about half way along branched away from the freeway and it was again basically quiet, apart from the occasional vehicle and the rustle of the grass and the wind in the trees .... notices there is very little if any bird life here. It is unusually cool this morning ... starting out its only about 10C, brrrrr but reache a comfortable mid to high 20's by mid afternoon
Got to Porto do Tejo for lunch and then settled in for my siesta (needed it today), diner then bed for the night.
Up early and out and about before dawn, lots of street lights to light my way, near 30kms to cover today ... heading to Porto do Tejo. I am walking to old main road, which unfortunately for part of the journey runs almost parallel to the very busy and noisy freeway. Well it wasn't as bad as I had expected ... I guess after several days in a large city, my ears had acclimatised to the noise.
Well about half way along branched away from the freeway and it was again basically quiet, apart from the occasional vehicle and the rustle of the grass and the wind in the trees .... notices there is very little if any bird life here. It is unusually cool this morning ... starting out its only about 10C, brrrrr but reache a comfortable mid to high 20's by mid afternoon
Got to Porto do Tejo for lunch and then settled in for my siesta (needed it today), diner then bed for the night.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Sunday 5th of August 2012,
Still in my cosy hotel room, quite cool tonight and today just over mid 20's, today was a quiet day, my English friends left today, went to the gym in the hotel and did a bit of upper body stuff, then a swim, a walk down to a local park, some lunch and back to the hotel.
Then back to the room and watch some of the Olympics .... still nothing on Australia, are well .... went on line and got an update on our medal count.
Diner down in the hotel cafe and do the blog and asleep shortly.
Back on the road tomorrow ... looks like a rather cool start tomorrow ... down to 10C over night so might be a bit brisk in the morning. Bye for now.
Still in my cosy hotel room, quite cool tonight and today just over mid 20's, today was a quiet day, my English friends left today, went to the gym in the hotel and did a bit of upper body stuff, then a swim, a walk down to a local park, some lunch and back to the hotel.
Then back to the room and watch some of the Olympics .... still nothing on Australia, are well .... went on line and got an update on our medal count.
Diner down in the hotel cafe and do the blog and asleep shortly.
Back on the road tomorrow ... looks like a rather cool start tomorrow ... down to 10C over night so might be a bit brisk in the morning. Bye for now.
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Saturday 4th of August 2012,
It was a rest day today, so a leisurely breakfast, followed by a wander around town, a bit of shopping for some light but a tad more dressed up than my normal clothes.
Then lunch at an outdoor restaurant watching people wander by, back to the hotel change and up to the roof and bar and pool area, very relaxing .... run into the English people from yesterday.
They seem to be very happy about the Olympics and how they are kicking our but or something on medals tally, etc. I say I haven't a clue as to Australia's medal tally etc. (which I don't).
Went out to diner with them at another restaurant, nice balmy night, ate outside and had a great night, back to hotel, a drink in the bar then off to bed. Not long in and its about 1.30am here.
Ps .... have decided to stay another day here!
It was a rest day today, so a leisurely breakfast, followed by a wander around town, a bit of shopping for some light but a tad more dressed up than my normal clothes.
Then lunch at an outdoor restaurant watching people wander by, back to the hotel change and up to the roof and bar and pool area, very relaxing .... run into the English people from yesterday.
They seem to be very happy about the Olympics and how they are kicking our but or something on medals tally, etc. I say I haven't a clue as to Australia's medal tally etc. (which I don't).
Went out to diner with them at another restaurant, nice balmy night, ate outside and had a great night, back to hotel, a drink in the bar then off to bed. Not long in and its about 1.30am here.
Ps .... have decided to stay another day here!
Friday, 3 August 2012
Friday 3rd of August 2012,
Well another day, a bit cooler this morning. When I set out this morning it was only about 15C bbbrrrrrr, its hardly dropped below 20 for weeks. Had to get a move on as about 26-27km to cover ... as it turned out by midday it was only about 24-25C, so still comfortable.
Scenery still a bit lunar like, low ground cover, few if any trees, a bit of cloud cover today.
Well wandered into Castelo Branco about 1pm .... quite a large, rural city. Am booked into a large hotel, a bit of luxury for a change and here for 2 nights. All cleaned up and sat by the rooftop pool and bar, some nibblies and a pleasant afternoon. Chatted to some English ladies whose husbands were at some conference there ...... nice to be able to chat in English, rather than struggle with other languages .... Portuguese still so so.
Was invited to diner with the English people, said my wardrobe was rather frugal for dining out, well no problem as we went to a local bar/restaurant just down the road .... great night.
Luxury a king sized bed, fantastic, and feather pillows mmmmmmmm. Then there is the mini bar, don't even look inside .... it costs just to open the door, I'm sure.
Well another day, a bit cooler this morning. When I set out this morning it was only about 15C bbbrrrrrr, its hardly dropped below 20 for weeks. Had to get a move on as about 26-27km to cover ... as it turned out by midday it was only about 24-25C, so still comfortable.
Scenery still a bit lunar like, low ground cover, few if any trees, a bit of cloud cover today.
Well wandered into Castelo Branco about 1pm .... quite a large, rural city. Am booked into a large hotel, a bit of luxury for a change and here for 2 nights. All cleaned up and sat by the rooftop pool and bar, some nibblies and a pleasant afternoon. Chatted to some English ladies whose husbands were at some conference there ...... nice to be able to chat in English, rather than struggle with other languages .... Portuguese still so so.
Was invited to diner with the English people, said my wardrobe was rather frugal for dining out, well no problem as we went to a local bar/restaurant just down the road .... great night.
Luxury a king sized bed, fantastic, and feather pillows mmmmmmmm. Then there is the mini bar, don't even look inside .... it costs just to open the door, I'm sure.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Thursday 2nd of August 2012,
Stayed in a pretty flash place last night, actually decided I take a rest day there a nd went to tell them, bugger ...... place booked out by some company for middle management bonding session or something.
The place had a swimming pool and all, ahhhhh.
So up early and on my way to Ladoeiro, this country out here is so dry and sun bleeched, hardly a tree in sight.
Then I came apon a road leading of into the distance lined with gun trees, just like home, with lot of shade .... wish I was going that way. Found out later its the road that leads to the Parque Natural do Teja International. Well went on my way not another tree in sight apart from the occasional grove of Almonds or Walnuts? Not sure, just guessing ..... then arrive at next stop Ladoeiro (just under 20km trip) at you gessed it just before midday .... its a hot one today .... definitely looking for that beer today and a shower would be great too. Accom tonight is a touch shabby up against last nights ... ah well its got a bed, aircon and an en-suite.
Stayed in a pretty flash place last night, actually decided I take a rest day there a nd went to tell them, bugger ...... place booked out by some company for middle management bonding session or something.
The place had a swimming pool and all, ahhhhh.
So up early and on my way to Ladoeiro, this country out here is so dry and sun bleeched, hardly a tree in sight.
Then I came apon a road leading of into the distance lined with gun trees, just like home, with lot of shade .... wish I was going that way. Found out later its the road that leads to the Parque Natural do Teja International. Well went on my way not another tree in sight apart from the occasional grove of Almonds or Walnuts? Not sure, just guessing ..... then arrive at next stop Ladoeiro (just under 20km trip) at you gessed it just before midday .... its a hot one today .... definitely looking for that beer today and a shower would be great too. Accom tonight is a touch shabby up against last nights ... ah well its got a bed, aircon and an en-suite.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Wednesday 1st of August 2012,
Hi all, well have been walking for 4 months now, having started on April fools day.
I'm in Portugal and having trouble with the language .... its that transition time where all sorts of stuff comes out ... well translator working overtime at the moment. Left Zarza a Mayor bright and early, another hot one today, and just over an hour out was in Portugal, no fan fare just a sign that says Spain on one side and Portugal on the other.
another 3 and a bit hours and am at Malhadinha - Zebreira, one town with different names or 2 towns joined together? Back to a room in these peoples house B+B type of thing, well its clean and comfortable and has air con .... though its a tad noisy .... well it works and keeps the room cool.
Maps tell me I'm about 350km from Madrid, GPS tells me I have walked well over 400km?
Have a diner, bed and breakfast deal here so no bars or restaurants today.
Hi all, well have been walking for 4 months now, having started on April fools day.
I'm in Portugal and having trouble with the language .... its that transition time where all sorts of stuff comes out ... well translator working overtime at the moment. Left Zarza a Mayor bright and early, another hot one today, and just over an hour out was in Portugal, no fan fare just a sign that says Spain on one side and Portugal on the other.
another 3 and a bit hours and am at Malhadinha - Zebreira, one town with different names or 2 towns joined together? Back to a room in these peoples house B+B type of thing, well its clean and comfortable and has air con .... though its a tad noisy .... well it works and keeps the room cool.
Maps tell me I'm about 350km from Madrid, GPS tells me I have walked well over 400km?
Have a diner, bed and breakfast deal here so no bars or restaurants today.
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