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.

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.