Praça Luis Ribeiro

Sept 16, 2024. First day of the big adventure. Today's plan includes 21km, a little over 13 miles. The severe wild-fire smoke will make that a challenge.

Instead of my planned early start, some of the group wanted breakfast, and hotel decided to open breakfast later than usual. "Live in the moment," I said to myself, it's OK to start at 9 instead of 7am.

We began our walk out of Porto along the Duoro river all the way to the sea. This was all sidewalks along busy streets, and we passed only a few other pilgrims and wished them BOM CAMINO as we passed by making great time at over 3 miles per hour. We turned north along the coast and were disappointed to see that the sky was NOT much clearer here, the breeze was bringing more smoke and ash as the day progressed. We got our second and third stamps at tourist information spots. After a few miles, the crowded streets became quiet, and then finally, we reached pathways separated from the road. The whole group caught up together for a simple lunch at a beach-side cafe -- burgers and fries were main feature but I risked and enjoyed a ahi style tuna salad.

By 3pm we had found our private home in Labruge, and were so happy to see that our luggage had been delivered. The system worked! Joe and I walked a couple blocks to a little store for wine, water, and appetizers. 3 nice big bedrooms--Kiki and I in a twin room are finding we share space nicely.

Here's where the fun began for me... everyone else on the group finally came to my side of the Live in the Moment argument. The couples began their plan for daily distances and places that were available each night for next 13 nights. It is a LOT of work to make it all come together -- you have to move forward enough to make it to the end on time, but not so far each day that you're walking in the dark in pain, and so many hotels had no vacancy. I got to chuckle, and commiserate, as they struggled. They're not done, but at least have several days planned ahead and can again begin to enjoy the moments.

One couple went out to dinner, but the rest of us just enjoyed the appetizers. Now ready for a good night's sleep.

Today's journey 21km (13 miles)Read more