DAY 4 - To The Pain!

Finally was out of the city and industrial congestion today and promptly got lost among grape vines and other crops - along with some sheep. Started out early as today was to be. a 30 Km (20 mile) journey. Saw the Camino sign first thing, then never again. I was lost the entire day, but on a path passing by sheep, vineyards, train tracks, - all through agricultural farm land! I met a hard working and nice man from Pakistan working the fields. Saw a few others along my lost way, but no pilgrims. My highlight was seeing the herd of sheep! It made trudging through muck and mud worth being lost all day. I made it all the way to Santarem, er, Vale de Santarem, about 5.5 miles from my destination before my knees and feet gave out. I’ ve had meniscus knee surgery (3x) and foot surgery on both feet (at the same time). I knew 20 miles would put me to the limit and it did. Ended up Ubering the final 8.6 km. I decided I’d get a few more miles once in Santarém exploring. - which I did. My toes on both feet were red and swollen as well as my rt knee swollen from an injury I suffered at the end of March while in Bozeman. My nightly therapy has been a homeopath lotion mixture of arnica oil, comfrey, and dmso along with a host of other anti-inflammatory ingredients in addition to PEMF therapy. Check out research on these items. I started pemf after my last knee surgery in August and I have had just a couple migraines since vs having a couple per week. Yes, I brought my pemf machine and a massage gun! After all we have 20 kg per bag!

I also started using my hiking poles and they help tremendously. I am using Leki brand, but any brand would work as long as they are the
Right size and are used correctly.

I am recharging/refueling in Santarem for the next couple of days. It is a beautiful city - a walled fortress! Reminds me of San Gimignano in Italy. I will post tomorrow all things Santarem - Casa da Alacova, 12 century host that bleeds! You got to see this, simply breathtaking, and much more.

Another absolutely amazing day in Portugal!Read more