Vila Do Conde to Esposende

We left charming Vila do Conde with its flower filled parks, impressive aqueduct, monumental fountains and tiled chapels to walk 17.7 miles to Esposende- a long day! We hiked through the small towns along the coast and had so many people wave to us or honk their horns and call out, “Bom Caminho!” Such friendly people! We were back on the boardwalks again for awhile until we moved a bit inland and hiked still on boardwalks but over the masseiras or garden plots- we saw tons of onions being harvested. In Aqucadoura we passed old windmills and in Estella there was a huge soccer complex and golf course. It was hot so we had a late lunch and lager in a café and rearranged our socks and packs. We finished our day hiking through a eucalyptus forest which was cool and breezy and smelled so good! The flowers were vibrant and beautiful all over the paths today and lemons trees are bursting with fruit. Today on the way we met so many other pilgrims- this warm and pleasant weather is a boon for all of us. We met people today from France, Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai, Norway and even a couple of Okies from Enid! And tonight at supper (which was low key in the albergue dining room) we met Amanda from the Florida Gator Nation! 🧡💙 In Apulia a little lady named Lina (age 90!) stopped us to chat and direct us to the church- she was amazing and sweet to talk to us. So tired from the day and tomorrow will be another long day so I’m headed to sleep and dreaming about our adventures for tomorrow.Read more