Day 8 - What’s the rush?

“Walk slow, don’t rush. That place you have to reach is yourself.” – José Ortega y Gasset

Today we went from Calvinos to Alvaiazere. Along the way I encountered several pilgrims who walked as if the world is on fire. Even Bob an 80 year man from I think Amsterdam whose pace could put any 20-year old to shame not to mention two old dames

It made me wonder why they are doing the Camino, perhaps to check off an item on their bucket list, to run from their problems, or perhaps because they don’t have much time off work? I don’t know. But what I do know is my slower pace has allowed me to take in all the beauty the Camino has to offer.

Today was hilly again but the weather was cool and a little breezy. Perfect walking weather. There was a fork in the path and you could take either. One was fairly level, followed the river, and about a mile longer, the other was more physically challenging because it was a very steep climb up a muddy hill with many steep hills to follow. We took the more challenging route and the views at the top were breathtaking or perhaps it was because we were out of breath.

About 2/3 up the enormous hill we came across a version of a eucalyptus bush. I crushed a couple leaves in my hand and took deep breaths. For a few brief moments my mind was transported to a luxurious spa and my body energized. It gave me the boost to conquer the remaining climb.

The hilly path went through forests which had cork trees. Portugal is the cork capital of the world. They strip the bark from the bottom and make leather like goods. I saw some beautiful cork purses and totes in Lisbon but unfortunately the small store did not ship to the US and I had no way to carry them

Tonight we are staying at Albergaria Pinheiro’s the hosts are Carlos and Christine Pinheiro. They do a special stamp for your credential which I have included in my photos. Carlos was so nice. He called the restaurant to make sure they stayed open for us and gave us a ride there and back. Carlos’s hobby is woodworking and he makes the most beautiful live edge tables from 100 year old poplar.

Had a lovely pilgrim’s meal at a local restaurant with Vino Verde. Afterwards went to supermarket’s cafe and got 2 ham, cheese, and butter sandwiches for our lunch tomorrow. The cost for 2 sandwiches was 2.40 euros, that is about $1.35 each in USD. We’ve learned it’s best to pack a sandwich and snacks because cafes and restaurants are few and far between on the path. But I cannot adequately convey how good a simple sandwich, a few nuts, and an apple with a bottle of water tastes while taking a break on the Camino

Tomorrow another long day through beautiful country side.Läs mer