Espana at last

Well good friends, tonight we are in a private alberque in Tui, Spain. Spent some time looking around the old part of ValenÇa.Reminds of Toledo. Crossed the international bridge this afternoon. Tomorrow we do a short stage to Porrino. Feeling better all the time, especially after the morning call home. Feet are mending, but the uneven trail hurts some, still better than blacktops in HEAT. 28c today. Will upload photos when I get home,as I cannot easily compress them. Starting to find the place. Felt strange leaving Portugal, almost a little fear. Seeing mainly the same bunch of peregrinos now. Lots of german, some aussies, a mexican.
Missing family,
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Sao Roques? near Rubiaes

I ave forgotten what day number it is, I think 9. Stayed last night at the alberque in Ponte de Lima. An uncomfortable night. 18km today up over a big climb in the rain. Now staying in a Pensao at Sao Roques (I think it is spelt something like this). Looks lovely. Sharing a rooom with Steve and the German lady (Sieglinde or similar). Having dinner with another German lady as well. Lots of German ladies. Another walked with us for a large part up the hill/mountain today. Left stones and shells at a wayside cross for my dad, a workmates mum, and some sick folk today. Was tearful, but special. Tomorrow we hope to make the border.
Until later, ate logo

Day 8 Lugar do Cordo to Ponte de Lima

Stayed at Casa Fernanda near Lugar do Condo last night. Wonderful couple and place, lovely dinner and conversation. Also have a german Peregrina staying and walking with us today. Found some antibiotics in my first aid kit, they have helped heaps, also bludged some antiseptic spray, so feet are feeling better. Now about half way between the two place titled above. Yesterday we did nearly 20 kms opting out of the easier 9 km, as it would have made today 24kms instead of 15 kms. It is has been raining all this morning´s walk but I am feeling much uplifted, now I just need to solve the mobile problem as it is not charging now.
Later that day: Reached Ponte de Lima in pouring rain. A gorgeous town, working itself up for a weekend festival. Lovely old bridge. Now waiting for the alburgue to open at 1700. Have got new mobile charger so one less worry.
Did I say I am worn out. Big climb and 18 km stage tomorrow, but we will manage.
I see we have a lady Prime Minister.
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Heading to Ponte De Lima

Hi all, it Cristina again for Ashley. He was walking out of Lugar do Corgo heading towards Ponte De Lima. His feet are a little better, Ashley is now taking some antibiotics and these seem to be helping. He was a little short of breath when talking to me so I guess he was hard at work walking. Is having some phone problems and that is something he wants to solve as he wants to be able to speak to Callum and Riley each day (and me too I think). Ashley and Steve were coming up to a cafe and he said they would stop and enjoy a drink. So everyone, stop have a coffee and enjoy life. Cristina

Day 6 Barcelos

Took a leap forward today courtesy of Comboios Portugal to Barcelos. The cunning plan from here is to try to keep the stages to less than 20 kms a day, though this is not always possible. The feet are still very sore, soaked a couple of times in warm salty water, cleaned up and I have Compeed style patches over the blisters. I suspect I may have bruised heals and that is the real source of the pain. I think with care and Nurofen we will manage. Pack is getting lighter, both through discarding non-essentials and maybe getting more used to it. Support from all at home is a big help.
I have to say this has been tough, and maybe I have underestimated the demands. The amount of tarmac walking has come as something of a shock, and that I think is the major protagonist. The countryside is less urban here, than south Of Oporto, so that also may help find rhythm and the ´place´. Tomorrow is likely a very short stint of about 10 kms, and the following day about 23km, aiming to rebuild and break up a longer section.
Staying at a lovely Pensao (Arantes) in Barcelos. Temperature is in the high 20´s C.

Oporto! Day 5

Took the easier path to Oporto today. After a long slog into Oilvera de Azermeis yesterday I was a mess on many levels. Today staying at a lovely Pensao in Oporto, and getting some laundry happening. Had a magnificent meal last night, Zoupa de Legume and Omelette Espanhola. Food has been good on this route.
Hope to make Vilarinho tomorrow.
Thanks for the encouragement, I hope to break out from the House of Pain, and find that House of Insight. I have had one significant moment, which I will not elaborate on here.
Cristina, thanks for posting for me. Happy father´s day to the dads tomorrow.
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Hi All,
I am writing this entry for Ashley as he is unable to get internet access. He has made it to Olivera de Azemeis a little short of their target Joao da Madeira . He is having a rather hard time of it, his feet are giving him quite a bit of bother. From the sound of it he has blisters upon blisters. Ashley is now contemplating whether he should take a bus to Oporto and then rest up for a few days to give his feet a chance to heal. I have encouraged him to do this as I think for his feets sake and his mental sake he need to be kind to himself. He has nothing to prove. The weather over there is hot and humid and this has impacted on the state of his feet. He did say that he would like some of our rain and cold but I assured him that he wouldn't. The weather in Adelaide has been awful wet, windy and wild and we all would like some warmth to come our way. Please continue to leave messages for Ashley as I know it gives him great encouragement. Happy fathers day to all the dads. Until next entry which will be from the man himself I hope.
Cristina.