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2025 Camino Portuguese
  • Marilyn Mosicki
  • Marilyn Mosicki

2025 Camino Portuguese

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  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Actually staying at a motor inn tonight

    Day 22 - To Albergaria-a-Velha

    September 23, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    I struggled since this morning with my ankle. The sprain I felt as I was entering Coimbra about 3d ago. It was good for the last two days. But I guess 57.5 kms in the last two days was a bit too much for it. Managed to walked 16-17 km today anyway. 24°C.
    Planning a shorter day tomorrow to see if that helps. Hopefully it gets better very soon. Not many pictures today.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Imagine living in a city that has an ancient cathedral. That would be so cool.
    They really honor the Virgin Mary. Don't pray to her or worship her, but honor her as Jesus' mother1Still 300km. Which means I've done 340. Need to calculate accurately though.Lit some candles. I didn't light all the lit ones, just 5 of them11Some kind of homemade alcohol concoction made with oranges

    Day 23 - To Branca

    September 24, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I checked into a real lovely Albergue today. The cost was by donation. They cooked a very delicious meal for supper. It is owned and run by a Portuguese fellow who has walked 44 Caminos!!!! Hard to believe, but it’s true. There is a lady here from France for 5 weeks as a hospitalero (volunteer). A lot of people do it. Often, if not usually, Pilgrims themselves at one time or another. And the other person is also a pilgrim from Ukraine.

    In case you wonder why I don’t reply to any comments, it takes everything just to find the time to get the blogs done, and I often get behind. But know that I really appreciate them and I love to hear from you!

    As I said yesterday, I planned for a shorter trip today. And it was. Only 12 kms.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Beautiful flowers growing wild along the highway.
    1This is what we look for every morning and most afternoons. Chairs outside means coffee shop!Square near where I'm staying tonight. Not much of a fountain.1Lovely healthy dinner tonightRight behind my hostel

    Day 24 - To Sao Joao de Madeira

    September 25, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    I had a 7:30 AM start. Earliest yet. It was 13° when I left, but got up to mid 20s. And sunny.
    Walked 22.4 km today. Everything felt good. Two days away from Porto. I’m scheduled to arrive there day after tomorrow.

    Porto is a popular place. It is where most people start for the Portuguese camino. Not many start from Lisbon. I feel like it’s the last leg of my trip, although its well over 200kms (varies according to the route taken) whereas from Lisbon is 640ish, again depending on the route. Porto to Santiago is estimated to take 1 1/2 - 2 weeks to complete. But that varies too.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Such beautiful cemeteries in Portugal. This was leaving Grijo this morning.
    Wall paintings including different signs seen by pilgrimsI saw this on the edge of a paved street. ?accidental or intentional. Interesting nonethelessA fairly treacherous trailPictures never do it justice.I saw the bikers come from the opposite direction. I wondered what they would do.Entering PortoFrom the other side of the bridgeEven Mickey Mouse made his way to PortoCity Hall in Porto1Feeling (and looking!) pretty rugged by that time of day

    Day 26 - To Porto

    September 27, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Cobblestone everywhere! I really like the looks of it, but it’s very impractical to walk on, especially for multiple kilometres at a time. It’s hard to imagine that it’s comfortable walking on pavement, but that is only when switching from cobblestone.
    Arrived at my hotel in Porto at 1:30 just as it was starting to sprinkle. So I got away without any rain. Registration wasn’t open until 3 o’clock, so I dropped my backpack off and wasted a bit of time. It was 21° and I walked about 20 km today.

    Is it ever nice to be in Porto!! But I was shocked at the number of people. Of course I knew there would be tourists, but so many more people than I am used to. I’m not so sure I like it.

    Missing home and everyone!    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    So many beautiful ancient buildings
    Statue in front of the main cathedralMain Porto cathedral1Traditional Portuguese dish called Francesinha. Loaded with calories and not really that good.My city tour

    Day 27 - Day in Porto

    September 28, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Porto is a really nice place. And I enjoyed it, despite the number of tourists. But I would have enjoyed it more if I had someone to tour it with.
    I spent about an hour this morning doing laundry at a laundromat, then wandered around a bit. I walked up to the big cathedral and toured it. It was remarkable, of course! Then I wasted some time having lunch and then I went on a 50 minute ride of the highlights in my area of the city. So much history. I must return sometime when I can spend more time.Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Douro River. Leaving Porto.
    I was told one can buy a ticket to climb to the top for the view and a glass of wine.Fishing from the edge of the streetAlas, the ocean. So wonderful to walk alongside.Really beautiful path. I wish it was a lot longer.

    Day 28 - To Matosinhos

    September 29, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today’s walk was a real pleasure. I walked 9 km. I intentionally made a short day because tomorrow I go to Villa Del Conde and stopping today will shorten that to about 21 km tomorrow.
    I got to walk along the river until I was out of Porto and then along the ocean. Such a pleasure. And a real difference in that there was a lot more Pilgrims! That was so nice to see. Not that it was crowded by any means, but prior to Porto I could go all day and see only a couple. Or none, especially early on the trail.
    An absolute pleasure to walk along the ocean.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    "Tragedy at Sea" representing the worst nautical tragedy of Portugal in 1947, several boats sank
    Started walking boardwalks today. Here, a message for pilgrims.I enjoyed the boardwalks. And of course being along the ocean made it even better.At many points they had exercise equipment for anyone to work out while watching the oceanAnother message to Peregrinos.

    Day 29 - To Vila do Conde

    September 30, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    I had an early start today, 730. It was 16° and beautiful clear skies. It was another lively walk along the ocean, all day.
    As I was leaving town I went through an area where they were dealing with a lot of fish. Packaging, I supposed to ship, selling to customers, etc. And of course, there was the seagulls.
    There is absolutely no way markers. I haven’t seen a yellow arrow since Porto. There was a warning about the trail being poorly marked. So again, thank goodness for Camino Ninja! That’s the only thing that keeps me on the trail
    Long day today, 26 km. But I enjoyed the ocean and boardwalks.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Cafe ahead.1In case we need directions to any of these places11Biggest camino directions I ever saw!

    Day 30 - To Esposende

    October 1, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    I walked along the ocean for a while, then spotted a cafe. Stopped there and met a woman originally from Russia but now lives in Germany. She is the one who took my picture with the ocean behind. Walked all day with her. Good company, good chatting. Even about Putin. She was a lawyer so has some good insight. In the end our albergues were right beside each other. Then I met a woman in my dorm from Grande Prairie. Small world. 25 km today.Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    1
    A very different pathPart of the trail. Rock trail on the beach.This was the worst part of the trail.

    Day 31 - To Viana do Costelo

    October 2, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today I walked with the Grande Prairie lady and another for half a day. We didn’t get too far when we hit the coffee shop. This is the temptation we face every morning, delicious Pastelerias.
    I took a picture of the Esposende sign as we were leaving in the morning.
    We walked near the ocean all day, but the path was horrendous. The sand was very difficult to walk in. Especially uphill. After walking several hundred kms, this terrain is what gave me a blister. I guess our feet move differently in sand. I was glad to get out of it! Walked 29 km today.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler

    Day 32 - To Caminha

    October 3, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Started out as a lovely morning to walk, although I think I overdid it the last few days. My back was quite sore. I had a restless night, so not a great sleep. I met a lovely lady “Anet” from South Africa on the trail. We walked 17 kms together. I didn’t feel well at that point, so I had to take a taxi for the last 12 km. After what I’ve been walking for the last few days, 29.5 km was going to be just too much today.Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler

    Day 33 - To Vila Nova de Cerveira

    October 4, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Left Caminha this morning and it was raining. First time I had to actually use my rain poncho.
    I walked a few kms then looked for a medical clinic as I wasn’t feeling well. Had to catch a taxi to get there. Coincidentally the closest one was in the town I was going to today. After being there I walked to my Albergue. Stopped at the cathedral and walked past the most amazing things in the courtyard area. All the pictures that show bright coloured animals are actually crocheted!!
    Walked about 5km today.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler

    Day 33 - To Tui

    October 5, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Beautiful sunny day. Sun shining maple trees turning red and gorgeous. I want to be on the trail again, and it’s hard to keep me off. But I need to take a rest day after yesterday, so I took the bus Valenca, 13 km away, then walked …… to my accommodations in Tui. The what time I kept imagining myself walking. So many people have to, or just choose to, take a break and jump ahead by train or bus or Uber. But not me. I don’t want to. My plan was to walk every step. But sometimes we don’t have choices. But I have still walked many, many, MANY kilometers. And many yet to go.Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Beautiful sunset to start the day
    Back to the trail, thankfully!1Symbolic gestures of prayers, releasing burdens, etc.Man playing bagpipes in the middle of nowhere. Love it!1

    Day 33 - To O Porrino

    October 6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Today I left Tui. My hotel was a ways off the trail and I had trouble getting back onto it. I took a wrong turn somewhere along the way and ended up walking for a couple kms against the traffic of a very busy freeway! There was so much traffic, and travelling so fast. I was scared and praying for safety the whole time. I could see on my map that I would have re-connected with the trail up ahead, but not for at least another 1+ km. One vehicle passing shouted something, but was going so fast I didn’t catch what he said (probably wouldn’t have understood anyway). Another vehicle or 2 honked, but that isn’t unusual. People’s will often honk and wave at pilgrims. I kept looking for a place to get off that highway, but I couldn’t.
    Suddenly a police car came around a bend, saw me, put the flashing lights on and whipped over to the shoulder. One of them jumped out of the vehicle, grabbed my backpack and poles, put them in the car and quickly ushered me into the car. Then we took off. He told me “you can’t walk on this road, very dangerous!” Then they took me a few kms back into Tui to a different part of the trail, frequently telling me not to walk on that kind of road. I was so relieved and grateful!!
    I was then on a nice trail. Paved road with a bit of traffic, but forrest on both sides. And other pilgrims.
    Walked 17th km today.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Leaving Pontevedra
    NoreenWe were chatting and completely missed the sign. How could we?!If there are no arrows to be seen, sometimes we just have to look downA small climb, and then the big one today. And yes, it was tiring

    Day 36 - To Armenteira

    October 9, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Noreen and I left Pontevedra fairly early. It was still bordering on dark. We had a tough day ahead, climbing to 455 m at one point, so we wanted to get a good start on the day.
    We saw some interesting things along the way, like another beautiful cathedral. We enjoyed walking together. Although we both chose to do this trip solo, it changed things up a bit. And as I said before, distractions like conversations and visiting helps the kilometres to go by faster.
    When I got to Armenteira there was a café/bar at the bottom of the trail so we stopped for a quick drink. I had to walk 1 km (15 minutes) out of town to reach my Albergue. It was a nice place, but there was no food in the area or transportation back into town. And I was too tired to walk it. There was the ability to phone and order take-out to be delivered to us, but it was disgusting. That was confirmed by the other two people that ordered as well.
    This evening was the only time that I came across a Pilgrim‘s blessing that was offered in the cathedral but again, no transportation and I was too tired to walk it. So I had to miss it.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    1

    Day 37 - To Vilanova de Arousa

    October 10, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Today was a wonderful, but tiring day. To start the day I walked through what I call an Enchanted Forest. It was just stunning (we can’t appreciate the full extent with pictures).
    I am walking the “Spiritual Route” into Santiago.
    Walked 27.4 km with 2 friends, then the three of us and my Russian friend met for a drink in the evening.
    The day ended with a beautiful sunset. I walked 27.4 km today.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    The three crosses representing St. James (middle cross) and his disciples on either side.
    The 11th cross…And the 12th of Stations of the Cross. Unable to see the first 10.Equipment for harvesting musselsSo many. Obviously there's quite a market for mussels.A wall made of pilgrim shells!!The countdown. 27...23…118...

    Day 38 - To Padron region

    October 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    I have 3 days yet to catch up, but posting today’s blog is pretty important!
    I started the day today with a boat ride for about an hour and a half. It is part of the spiritual route and the boat ride is meant to replicate the journey that St James’ body travelled by Stone boat, delivered to land, and subsequently taken to the Santiago de Campostela Cathedral where it now remains.
    After the ride, I walked about 12 km to a place part way between Padron and Santiago. Tomorrow I should have approximately 15 km to go then…..
    I’M DONE!!! YAY!! Santiago is the end of the line!!    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    So true! And is at the heart of an adventurous lifeA few of the beatitudes…..Inside the small church at the Camino office. I wish I could have attended mass thereMy friend Noreen from Ireland. Spent quite a bit of time together for the past couple weeks.Noreen and Marie-Josee from QuebecNight view

    Day 39 - To Santiago

    October 12, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today was a wonderful day! It was a bit nippy this morning at 12° and I was wearing shorts. But it eventually got to 28°. An early start of 745 and it was still dark, so the first time I’ve needed my headlamp. It’s darker in the morning since I entered Spain because it’s one hour ahead of Portugal. I usually waited until it at least got on the verge of daylight, but I must say I was anxious to get to Santiago.
    I walked through beautiful forest paths for most of the morning, and part of the afternoon. I came across many waymark signs….more than usual. But at this point, it was the km countdown.
    It was mighty sweet to enter the Santiago Cathedral Square. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The trail I took this time brought me into the square in a different spot than my previous Camino. Which means I didn’t go past the bagpipes, which were at the other entrance. But that’s OK, I specifically went over to hear it and take a video. While at the Camino office, to receive my compostela, I sat in the small little church/cathedral within the Camino office and watched the picture presentation. I watched it last year as well and loved it just as much this year. Spent the evening with a couple friends to celebrate, but it was pretty low-key. No need to “celebrate hard” at our age. Just enjoyed the peace and satisfaction of our accomplishment. They both walked from Porto to Santiago. Lovely friends!    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    Santiago Cathedral. Main altar.
    Side of main altarThe organSaint James' urn1I was privileged to see it. They don't have it every massA bit of information about butafumeiroLast supper with the girls. And BTW, that's a bottle of water not booze lolAnet from South AfricaLena from Russia originally, but now lives in GermanyMarie-Josee from Quebec. I was so tired.

    Day 40 - Day in Santiago

    October 13, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Had breakfast with Noreen this morning, our last meal together.
    We have spent quite a bit of time together in the past couple weeks, and I’m really going to miss her as she leaves today.
    After breakfast we both walked to the cathedral and I stood in line hoping to get into the 12 o’clock mass and see the butafumeiro.

    Butafumeiro:

    “One of the most famous symbols of the cathedral is the Botafumeiro, which may be largest censer in the world.
    “The aroma of the incense has a powerful symbolic connection to prayer and spiritual purification: ‘May my prayer be set before you like incense’ (Psalm 141:2).
    “The Botafumeiro weighs 53 kilograms and measures 1.5 metres. Using a complex system of pulleys, it is swung from the central cupola of the cathedral, from which it hangs, towards the side aisles. It takes eight men, known as tiraboleiros, to move it. It is suspended from a height of 20 metres and can reach speeds up to 68 km/h.
    “The first written reference to this enormous censer appears in a 14th-century margin note to the Codex Calixtinus, where it is called Turibulum magnum.”
    (https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/discover/or…)

    I was lucky enough to see it. Apparently they don’t have it at every mass. Also pictures of the urn that tradition says holds St James’ remains.

    “Saint James's body is located in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, in an urn beneath the main altar. According to tradition, his remains were brought to Spain by his disciples after he was martyred in Jerusalem and later discovered in the 9th century, leading to the construction of the cathedral over his tomb”.

    After mass and touring of the cathedral, I spent the afternoon shopping and I had a half hour massage which was wonderful!
    On the evening, I’m at the remaining friends still in Santiago for dinner.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler
    1One last visit this morning. Arlene and Connie, you will remember this well.....
    ... and this.The monastery.Top of the cathedral, zoomed in. Top center - St James the apostle.

    Day 41 - To Porto

    October 14, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    I didn’t have a very good sleep last night. I went to bed a bit late after my last evening with the girls. At about 1:30 in the morning while sleeping, I heard a crash. I went to the bathroom to investigate and found that the ceiling had fallen out of the shower and there was a horrible smell, like sewer. So there I was in the middle of the night changing rooms.
    I had a long relaxing morning while I waited for my bus to go to Porto. That is where I will catch my flight home tomorrow, Wednesday. Before catching a taxi to the bus station, I walked back to the square to see the cathedral one last time. I just can’t get enough of it. It is always buzzing with Pilgrim‘s excitement on arriving, having completed their Camino, and even with tourists.
    This morning feels bittersweet. No more trail, no more friends, no more Santiago, no more yellow arrows, no more Camino…..
    I see people with their backpacks and I feel that I should be on the trail. I should be walking today. I want to be walking today. It’s a let-down in many ways. Tears of sadness alternate with excitement to be heading back to my family and friends!
    I will miss it all!!!
    I rode a bus for 3 1/2 hours to get to Porto airport because my hotel is very near it. I went into the airport to get a heads-up as to where my check-in is and to weigh my bag (my luggage is always an issue no matter when or where I go). Then I caught a taxi to my hotel which is within walking distance, but I couldn’t figure out how to get out of the airport grounds.
    I just hung out at my hotel for the evening. I had dinner at the restaurant, watched some Netflix, and went to bed.    Read more

  • Marilyn Mosicki2025 Camino PortugueseTraveler

    Day 42 - Journey home

    October 15, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    This morning started out a little bit crazy. I didn’t have a great sleep again, but not particularly unusual. I set my alarm for 7 o’clock. And as I was puttering around getting ready, I looked at my watch and it said 8:50. Slightly panicked (because I was catching a 9:20 shuttle to the airport), I raced around, threw everything together, and went to check out, only to find out that it was 7:50 not 8:50! My stupid Apple Watch didn’t turn back an hour when I entered Portugal yesterday. I had mostly been following the time on my phone. So I went to the restaurant and had coffee to waste time.
    Today I fly to the Azores and have a couple hour layover. Apparently they are gorgeous islands, but I’ll only see it from the airport. Then I fly to Toronto and finally to Edmonton arriving at midnight.
    That’s all for today. I thank you all for following along, for your support, your interest, your comments and your caring! It means everything to me.

    I have days 34-35 to catch up on, but in due time. I’m tired.
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️    Read more

    Trip end
    October 15, 2025
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