Apr – May 2024

El Camino

A 20-day adventure by Andrew Read more

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Trip start
April 20, 2024
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- Day 3
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9:22 AM
- ☀️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 85 m
- Portugal Mercado de São Sebastião 41.14368, -8.61012341°8’37” N 8°36’36” W
2
Porto evening
April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Walked the streets of Porto last night before starting my journey, I will need to wee more of the city on my return.
Traveler I think this candy store is called “Lisa’s candy”.
4/22/24Reply
TravelerYes It was. I showed her and said she should be able to have anything.
4/22/24Reply
Cool@ [David Hart]
4/23/24Reply
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- Day 3
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9:26 AM
- ☀️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 83 m
- Portugal Mercado de São Sebastião 41.14368, -8.6101541°8’37” N 8°36’37” W
Morning leaving Porto
April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Late morning, start with breakfast and last second sightseeing before the start of the journey.
TravelerLooks so cool, medieval architecture and statue!
4/24/24Reply
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- Day 3
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 2:45 PM
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Portugal Jardim Senhor do Padrao 41.179989, -8.69418341°10’48” N 8°41’39” W
Leaving Porto Behind
April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Before taking the Metro to Matosinhos.
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- Day 3
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 2:47 PM
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Portugal Jardim Senhor do Padrao 41.179988, -8.69418341°10’48” N 8°41’39” W
Matosinhos + Sea Life Aquarium
April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
After getting off of the subway, I went straight to the small but awesome Sea Life aquarium. I have to return to geed the sea turtle. Then, I started my way down the coastal camino.
TravelerWow, nice you enoying all the sea life
4/24/24Reply
TravelerGlad it was a good aquarium
4/25/24Reply
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- Day 3
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:26 PM
- 🌙 16 °C
- Altitude: 36 m
- Portugal Modivas 41.30363, -8.68263241°18’13” N 8°40’57” W
Day 1 in the bag
April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
After a late start to my walk and making a detour for the aquarium. I made it to Lavra, where I met an extremely generous and helpful couple who helped me get to my hostel, which was way further inland than I thought.Read more
TravelerOh yeah! Great pics!
4/22/24Reply
TravelerThanks, I spent a chunk of time with my camera taking some too.
4/22/24Reply
TravelerLove the nature pics and your new friends…what an adventure! And only day one 👏 more in store
4/22/24Reply
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- Day 4
- Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:54 PM
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 40 m
- Portugal Mindelo 41.313291, -8.72027441°18’48” N 8°43’13” W
Gião to Mindelos
April 23, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Had to walk towards the central route to head to Villa de Conde. The rural areas with wildflowers and eucalyptus forests are great. Once I reached Mindelos, I took a break to enjoy the architecture and snack.Read more
TravelerThose pink flowers are awesome! Happy day two pilgrim!
4/23/24Reply
TravelerAwesome plant life!
4/24/24Reply
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- Day 4
- Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM
- 🌬 20 °C
- Altitude: 21 m
- Portugal Praça Vasco da Gama 41.357716, -8.74231841°21’28” N 8°44’32” W
Made it to Vila de Conde
April 23, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 20 °C
Took a detour to check out a avian nature preserve that had a stream running through an observation tower where I had a much need break. After that, I went through a coastal preserve back and across the bridge to the hostel.Read more
TravelerBeautiful@
4/24/24Reply
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:45 AM
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 21 m
- Portugal Rio Este 41.372362, -8.71568941°22’21” N 8°42’56” W
En route Touguinhó
April 24, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Yet another late morning start, but I finally got a good night sleep. Loved seeing the aquaduct before leaving the city and walking along the river seeing goats 🐐
TravelerAwesome! Nice photos!
4/24/24Reply
TravelerHave a great time!
4/24/24Reply
TravelerThose are great pictures.
4/24/24Reply
TravelerNutritious lunch I see.....
4/25/24Reply
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5:10 PM
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 38 m
- Portugal Ribeiro dos Porralhos 41.399468, -8.66315341°23’58” N 8°39’47” W
Arcos towards Rio Mau
April 24, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Having crossed into the town of Arcos and I was amazed at all the medieval architecture and I kept wishing my father was here to enjoy all this history as I know he would appreciate it. I had to see the gilded interior of the church and then moved on towards Rates.Read more
TravelerWow, such beautiful scenery, River is amazing as well as all the medieval structures
4/24/24Reply
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:56 PM
- ☁️ 13 °C
- Altitude: 106 m
- Portugal Pedra Furada 41.467842, -8.63646541°28’4” N 8°38’11” W
Rio Mao to Rates
April 24, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Emotional and spiritual day for me, I came across a neolithic burial structure around 5000 years old. When I arrived in Rates, I saw that a short detour would bring me to a 12th-century Romanesque church. I had to stay off the camino. Upon entering, I found myself wanting to pray for the first time in many years.Read more
TravelerNice spiritual experience! Such awesome churches. So cool about the ancient tombs too
4/24/24Reply
TravelerGood to see your smiling face, have fun!
4/24/24Reply
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:09 PM
- ☁️ 12 °C
- Altitude: 106 m
- Portugal Pedra Furada 41.467857, -8.63644141°28’4” N 8°38’11” W
Rates, Courel, and Pedra Farada
April 24, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Walking out of Rates into the countryside township of Courel, I saw several farmers with tractors working in their fields. I came across the Park of Rates in this area and found many momentos left by pilgrims whose loved ones had passed on. I had to make a contribution in memory of my grandfather as I know he is walking beside me and would be so proud. Had a lovely meal at a cafe, then walked the last stretch in the dark to the hostel.Read more
TravelerNice way to honor grandpa. Scenery is incredible and the food looks delicious!
4/24/24Reply
TravelerYour grandpa is with you every step of the way 💛
4/24/24Reply
TravelerBeautiful! We never walk alone.
4/25/24Reply
TravelerI do...lol
4/25/24Reply
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- Day 6
- Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 3:15 PM
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: 36 m
- Portugal Jardim da Igreja Matriz de Barcelos 41.5251, -8.62348441°31’30” N 8°37’25” W
Barcelinhos
April 25, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Before I crossed the bridge into the city of Barcelos, I passed through Barcinhos, had lunch at a cafe, and was told by the waitress that there was no availability at any hostel in the city. The reason was that it was Freedom Day, the celebration of Portugal's Independence.Read more
TravelerGreat pictures. Glad your taking them so I can see what it’s like….without the hiking 😂
4/26/24Reply
TravelerVery nice. Peaceful looking city
4/26/24Reply
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- Day 6
- Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 4:20 PM
- ⛅ 18 °C
- Altitude: 44 m
- Portugal Torre Medieval 41.530264, -8.62030741°31’49” N 8°37’13” W
Barcelos
April 25, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Entering Barcelos, I walked through the ruins of the Palace of the Counts. Medieval sarcophagi, heraldic symbols, landmarks from the House of Bragança, various architectural elements from dismantled churches and convents, and emblazoned stones from ancient noble houses that have now disappeared. Next was the festivities of which was incredible, but I was way too tired to enjoy them as I wish I could have, and I slept like a vampire once finally at my hotel.Read more
TravelerWow…that all looks pretty cool. Did you eat the churros. I haven’t seen any….
4/26/24Reply
TravelerNice photos, awesome medieval structures
4/26/24Reply
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- Day 8
- Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 5:04 PM
- ☀️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 49 m
- Portugal Carapeços 41.585169, -8.61655241°35’7” N 8°36’60” W
Villa Boa, Lijó, and Silva
April 27, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Up at it determined this morning to make a great deal of distance. Leaving Barcelos behind me, I ventured back into the countryside where I found the trail pretty easy as the incline was graded very well and just went slow. Ran into the same issue of all the hostels being booked once again 😑Read more
TravelerLooks like ur half way there!! Snake has seen better days tho. Pretty stream.
4/27/24Reply
TravelerAn adventure! I have been booking all my hostels for the next day the night before so I know I have it secured and also have a deadline of walking! If you are interested
4/27/24Reply
TravelerYeah, I need to start doing that, I get ahead of myself and want to keep going further.
4/27/24Reply
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- Day 9
- Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 8:33 PM
- 🌙 12 °C
- Altitude: 29 m
- Portugal Ponte de Lima 41.763956, -8.58992741°45’50” N 8°35’24” W
Ponte de Lima
April 28, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
Woke up to a farmers market on the main avenue of the city, lots of cool stuff. Though I had to press on over the roman bridge and see a few of the other monuments. Off to the massive lonely mountain I go after leaving the city behind me.Read more
TravelerIt must've been hard not to buy some plants 🤣
4/28/24Reply
TravelerWow, lots to see and experience, once in a lifetime
4/28/24Reply
TravelerThat’s dance looks incredible. What an experience to see.
4/29/24Reply
TravelerYou might need to grow a mustache like that lol
4/29/24Reply
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- Day 9
- Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 9:22 PM
- 🌙 10 °C
- Altitude: 192 m
- Portugal Ribeira da Codeceira 41.882629, -8.62940841°52’57” N 8°37’46” W
Arcozelo, Labruja, and Romarigães
April 28, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
Leaving the Roman city of Ponte de Lima behind, I started to re-enter the pastures of the countryside once more. Listening to the aubiobook for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein helped motivate me and keep my determination. The shadow of nivatable ascension up the looming mountain that is taller than the empire state building.Read more
TravelerI am still sore from that mountain climb. Ouch. Cold water feels good on the feet.
4/28/24Reply
TravelerAmazing views and scenery
4/28/24Reply
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- Day 9
- Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 9:36 PM
- 🌙 9 °C
- Altitude: 192 m
- Portugal Ribeira da Codeceira 41.882619, -8.62934841°52’57” N 8°37’46” W
Aqualonga at long last.
April 28, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 9 °C
Well, the time has finally arrived for me to climb the desolate mountain to reclaim the lost Dwarven kingdom of Erebor from the foul dragon Smaug. The rain started lightly, then not so much for almost 2 hours! I was shivering and couldn't wait for food and good bed. The burger had a fried patty of mac n cheese, and the castle like house I'm staying at is incredible, and the old man was very kind.Read more
TravelerIncredible journey! I bet that burger looks as good as it looks
4/28/24Reply
TravelerI was so hungry I ate it in less than 5 minutes!
4/28/24Reply
TravelerBtw that black thing is a slug!
4/28/24Reply
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- Day 10
- Monday, April 29, 2024 at 9:58 AM
- ⛅ 11 °C
- Altitude: 273 m
- Portugal Pecene 41.930727, -8.62870341°55’51” N 8°37’43” W
Rubiães and Fontoura
April 29, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Woke up early to lovely breakfast by my host. His house is over 300 years old! It was like staying in a private cozy castle. After a short chat with my host, I was off reach Valença. I am very thankful that the worst of the hike is behind me. I finished The Hobbit, and now I have stated Fellowship of the Ring naturally. I saw a little old lady walking her sheep, and I found the ruins of an abandoned home, and I had to explore.Read more
TravelerSounds like it's a journey in Middle Earth, awesome
4/29/24Reply
TravelerYou could fix that place up!
4/30/24Reply
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- Day 10
- Monday, April 29, 2024 at 3:20 PM
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 60 m
- Portugal Valenza 42.026716, -8.64096642°1’36” N 8°38’27” W
2
Valença, the finale of Portugal
April 29, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Arriving in Valença late in the afternoon, I rested for a few hours and waited until I was prepared to walk to the closest restaurant that was open.
The Italian restaurant was fancier than I expected, and Im sure I stuck out painfully. I ordered a calzone with all sorts of things in it. It was great. Also, where else could you get pistachio cheescake?!Read more
Traveler Love these
4/30/24Reply
TravelerGreat scenery and pistachio cheesecake ...in a jar lol
4/30/24Reply
Traveler I found these in my yard in Luquillo! They smell so nice
4/30/24Reply
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- Day 11
- Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:01 PM
- ☁️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 53 m
- Portugal Fortaleza 42.03065, -8.64558842°1’50” N 8°38’44” W
1
Valença Fort, and Tui, Spain
April 30, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
The city of Valença has a massive fort where there are many shops that specialize in textile fabrics. I found one very cool shop with fossils, preserved insects, and antique decorations. There was a massive cathedral, with incredible stone work, I just wish It was open and had seen the inside. Met some lovely cats that made my own at home. Then, leaving Tui, I was back to the forest road and the Fellowship on the Ring.Read more
TravelerNice kitties...medieval buildings so cool!
4/30/24Reply
Nice. [Gina]
5/1/24Reply
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- Day 11
- Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:43 PM
- ⛅ 13 °C
- Altitude: 29 m
- Spain Porriño 42.155016, -8.61993642°9’18” N 8°37’12” W
O Porriño
April 30, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
There are not too many pictures today as the last 2 hours of my walk were through an ugly industrial area. It happened to be the fastest and most direct path to my hostel for the night. The hostel was above a restaurant with friendly staff and good food. I have no idea what is going on with the fireman hanging, but it was certainly saying something.Read more
TravelerHeadless hanging fireman? Looks like Halloween decoration!? Gross slug! Scenery beautiful as usual
4/30/24Reply
TravelerI think the fire station closed down and the town was resentful....
5/1/24Reply
TravelerIt’s so empty. Where are all the people?
5/1/24Reply
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- Day 12
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM
- ☁️ 9 °C
- Altitude: 226 m
- Spain Vigo-Peinador Airport 42.23072, -8.61215742°13’51” N 8°36’44” W
3 1
Pedrapinta, As Regadas, and Louredo
May 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
I had to stay up late for a chance to do my laundry at the hostel, so I naturally had yet another late morning! The two ladies that worked at the cafe downstairs were very nice to me, and I had a chicken empanada while I waited for the rain to subside. The afternoon was kind to me as the sun came out briefly, and it stopped raining for most of my walk today. It did return with a vengeance when I stopped for a tuna empanada and a beer. There was even a little thunder ⛈️Read more
Traveler What does that symbol mean?
5/2/24Reply
TravelerConjoined twins with one head cross here 🤷‍♂️ 😂
5/2/24Reply
Traveler Ummmm, no.
5/2/24Reply
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- Day 12
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:30 PM
- ⛅ 13 °C
- Altitude: 17 m
- Spain Plaza Figueroa 42.280892, -8.60996342°16’51” N 8°36’36” W
Arrival to Redondela
May 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Arriving late into the afternoon to Redondela and my hostel. My host needed some help with her internet connection issue, which I happily helped resolve. After a hot shower, I walked down to a large cafeteria, where I had an Iberian hamburger that had a huge bun with a pork patty, bacon, and goat cheese! 🐖 🥓 🐐 🧀Read more
TravelerCool bridge. Interesting how plant growing from wall? Burger looks very tasty
5/4/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 8:51 PM
- ☁️ 11 °C
- Altitude: 11 m
- Spain Padrón 42.739906, -8.65934242°44’24” N 8°39’34” W
Pontevedra
May 2, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
There were not too many pictures as it was very cold and pouring rain the whole walk this day as it was a challenge to pull out my phone and keep soldiering on. Once I arrived in Pontevedra, I checked into my hostel and then stepped out yet again in pouring rain for a bite. The city after dark was empty, but the ruins and historical buildings had an immense presence. I just wish I could have spent more time here learning about the history.Read more
TravelerWow. Medieval structure is a church or castle?
5/4/24Reply
TravelerRuins of a medieval cathedral, I will look up history on it.
5/4/24Reply
TravelerLooks awesome
5/4/24Reply
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- Day 14
- Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10:57 AM
- 🌧 12 °C
- Altitude: 32 m
- Spain Río Bermaña 42.605918, -8.64411642°36’21” N 8°38’39” W
Caldes De Reis
May 3, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
Yet, another other extremely soggy and cold morning. I am more determined to reach the end goal of Santaigo, so I am taking fewer pictures as the rain doesn't want to let up. This city has some thermal hot springs where a few of the hostels have an in-house spa for them. I sadly didn't get a chance as I was moving on towards the final staging ground in Padrón.Read more
TravelerSorry it's so soggy. You're near the finish line!
5/4/24Reply
TravelerHot springs? Nice!
5/4/24Reply
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