Rubiães

It was a long day today! About 20 miles- similar to other days- but significant elevation gain late in the day, combined with later start than usual (group breakfast at Albergue) and long ish stop in Ponte de Lima... it was almost 5 pm when we pulled into Albergue tonight. Of course, we had a pleasant cafe stop before the last 2 miles as we had once again found our Kazakhstan friends at the cafe. We needed the break and the calories! The final 2 miles were Billy Goat trail style rock scrambling (mostly up, some down, rarely level for long).

Second breakfast was a super cute cafe between our Albergue and Ponte de Lima- a comfy sofa to relax on. We've learned to order a Gal-lo (essentially a latte, but they don't recognize latte-- otherwise you get a super strong coffee w just an ounce of milk!

Ponte de Lima was very fun- it's Palm Sunday so churches were busy, people outside and holding palms, also a marching band and outside marketplace including people in local costume. We found some amazing strawberries, then gelato then crossed the river and continued our hike.

We really haven't seen that many pilgrims during our walks. Seems like today, we passed and chatted with maybe 5 groups (or individuals). The Albergue is full though so people are just spread out during the day. Lots of mountain bikes today (non Camino) and motorbikes zooming around.Read more