Day 3 Albergaria-a-Velha

A shorter walk of 17 kms today. Last night, I thought even that was not going to be possible. It was cool and foggy early, and a much more pleasant walk, the last 5-6 kms was a slog through a forest before the town. Cute country town, and we are staying at another Pensao above what appears to be a pub. I am hoping to balance that by staying at a monastery in 2 days time! The next 2 stages into Oporto are long, and might try to make 3 stages out of it to allow the body some recovery, and considering taking the beach/coast way the other side of Oporto. We hope to get away earlier tomorrow as we have been starting too late and missing the best walking conditions. Did I tell you I had an awesome sleep and vivid dreams last night, the magic starts..
I also must pass an important message to Work W when I get back (this is a reminder). Spirits are high when the temperature is down, but the heat takes its toll, and I am considering options should the heat continue, I want to reach Santiago again, and get a Compostela, but I have done enough hard yards before, and will lower my expectations/ change my methods if I have to.
This camino is solitary in so many ways. We have seen no other peregrinos, neither to Fatima (coming towards us) or to SdeC travelling our way. People do stop to talk and ask if we are travelling to Santigo de Compostela, and wish us the best.
My glasses broke today, optician man fixed them and would not take money, indicating a prayer for him in Santiago would do. Camino Frances revisted!
Internet access is awkward, plenty of free WIFI, but I am not carrying anything to access (left that in Lisboa). Posts may be sporadic, and I may get Cristina to update things if I cannot.
Probably aiming for Olivera de Azemeis tommorow, or a little further to Sao Joao if things are really good.
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Day 2 Agueda

A 25 km slog today in hot conditions. The tarmac roads knock the feet around, and I have very well developed blisters on both heels. The first hour in the morning is rugged as is the first 10 minutes after a break. Staying tonight at a lovely Pensao. Had a very nice beef dinner, but could not do it justice. The condition of my feet is worrying, and I just hope they do not get infected. The heat of the tarmac is the big problem. The lady at the Pensao was saying the weather is unseasonably hot, and was 41C at 1am a day or 2 back. I believe it. Walking was through some vineyard areas, and the town of Agueda is just across the river, as is meant to be the turismo, but no that is shifted. After 2 slogs up abd down the hill to the main street we were directed to it.
2 Angels today.
Man stopped us about 5 kms out of Agueda, signals us over, and handed us a couple of bottles of bottled water each, and a couple of apples, wished us Bon Viajem and off he went.
I asked a lady at Agueda directions to the turismo, she went in to a shop to ask, leaving her child in pram with me, came out and told us directions. Off we go to the building, but found the door shut closed for the day. We retired towards a cafe, and the lady comes tearing down the hill with some council fellow, who then directed us to the other side of the building and the turismo. Very friendly folk.

Mealhada End of day 1

It was great catching up with my old walking mate Steve last night, 3 years on and it was like ysterday. Well folks, my nerves settled after 1 hour of walking. We made Mealhada late in the afternoon after a late departure about 9:30. We started from the Church of San Tiago in Coimbra, then headed out past the train station and along the river after some helpful directions from a Policeman. We have seen no other pilgrims. The way marking has been good with the yellow arrows generally frequent, and the blue arrows pointed opposite for the Pilgrimage to Fatima (another project?). We have taken it slowly, with plenty of breaks, but still very sore and aching. I have blisters on both feet. At this stage manageable, and cleaned up and treated. After a couple of cervejas and a shower the world is much better. I think sleep will be welcome tonight.

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Later that day in Coimbra

Caught the train from Lisbon, sat next to an aussie as luck would have it. This is strange trip for meeting people, as I was sat across from Louise B and hubby from work on the flight to Singapore. It is a hot 37C today in Coimbra, though cooling a little tomorrow to 32C, and then 26 for a couple of days. It will be a hot walk to Mealhada tomorrow, might try to leave early.
Staying at Casa Pombal in Coimbra, nice atmospheric guest house run by a lovely Dutch lady. I had a look this afternoon at the University of Coimbra (dates back to 1290 I think), also some sort of Royal Palace at one point (Later edit: Coimbra was the capital of Portugal 1139-1260). This is a lovely town, but would be lovelier if cooler. Cannot upload pictures at this time, maybe later, or maybe just work pictures. My prose matches my photography ... sorry.
Adeus

In Lisboa

Arrived Lisbon yesterday. It is now 0845 Monday morning. Heaps tired and worried. I am much more stressed about this Camino, but hopefully that passes in a day or two. The physicalities are very worrying. It is quite warm, high 20's and muggy. Did not sleep well.
I catch the train to Coimbra in about 2 1/2 hours, and meet Steve about 1800.
Tomorrow it starts for real. Being away from family this time is really hard. This will be my last without them.
Hope to be more cheerful tomorrow.
I am leaving a bag with travelling clothes and books for the flight home at the Pensao I am staying at, and will pick them up on the homeward journey in about 3 weeks.
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Final Preparations.

I looked back to my blog of 2007, and the Camino Frances. The feelings are so similar. The same self doubts and worries, and the wondering, but in reality I think it is all set.
Walked Sunday and Monday, but both short. Sunday was special, as before, a walk with the boys. This time up past the Newmans Nursery ruins. We had quite a chat and saw 15 (I counted 8) roos. The boys counted them up as well as down. The boys are feeling the coming seperation, with many requests for 'lie-down hugs'. I look forward to the time we travel on the Camino together.
We have just been for a blessing of my journey with Father George. Exactly as before, except

with Father Pat then. We had a great chat about the meaning of it all. It sets the scene and the mood.
The weather here is 11C, and in Coimbra today 31C. I think a shock is in store.
I arrive Lisboa on Sunday morning, train to Coimbra on Monday and meet Steve, and then Tuesday we head North.

Camino Portugues Sept 2010

The walk continues with a return to Santiago, starting this time in Coimbra, Portugal. I hope to update the blog as I go, as I was so encouraged by the interest and comments last time.

This Camino is about half the distance 370kms, and is the 2nd most popular after the Camino Frances (CF) I walked last time. If you look to the right you will see links to 2007, and can re-read that journey.

A google map of the planned route this time is
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109213013186577631029.00048d763502643f50f67&z=8

I start from Coimbra on August 31 with my mate Steve, who I met on the CF. I am nowhere as well prepared mentally or physically this time around, but I hope with encouragement to make it.

This year is special, a Holy year of Saint James (when July 25 is on a Sunday). The number of pilgrims are boosted by this, as it is the last Holy year until 2021.