Hike Day 1 - Porto to Vila Do Conte

At 8:30 PM, we departed from Porto, bidding farewell to Christine, Dale’s wife, who is off to explore other parts of Portugal. Christine graciously allowed Dale to be our guide as we embarked on the Camino, a journey of 135 miles. In four days, we will reunite with her. Traveling with Dale and Christine has been a delight—they possess an intimate knowledge of the route and a seamless ability to navigate the local transportation systems.

We took the metro from Porto to Matosinhos, followed by an Uber, to reach our starting point at Memória Beach. Along the way, we encountered fellow pilgrims from across the globe and various states in the U.S. At one point, a local Portuguese woman overheard our clumsy attempt to express our fatigue in Spanish. With warmth and friendliness, she asked how we were enjoying the local cuisine and shared that Portugal has become a popular destination for immigrants, many of whom choose to retire here.

Our first rest stop offered a moment of both beauty and discomfort. Debbie, suffering from plantar fasciitis, sat outside, tending to her foot, while we all savored the serene view of the ocean. The morning was gorgeous, and the boardwalk, lined with unique plants and well-maintained restaurants, made for a picturesque setting.

That evening, we were warmly welcomed at the Navel Guest House and Bistro. Our dinner included a delightful surprise—Padron peppers, which Dale ordered. None of us women had ever tried them before, but they were absolutely delicious! The meal as a whole was outstanding, a true highlight of our day.

After dinner, Dale took us on a night tour of the small town, which charmed us with its peacefulness and quaint character. The quiet streets, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, made for a perfect ending to a memorable day.

Today’s post by Debbie Mink.Read more