Vila do Bispo

Last night stayed at a nice B&B in Carrapateira. Gorgeous sandy beach, thundering rollers in to the cliffs. Still amazed at the precarious places fishing is done. Relatively easy walk today assisted by a helpful ex-pat English last. Now at a quiet town of Vila do Bispo. 14 somewhat difficult kms tomorrow and we reach Cabo de São Vicente, the lower left corner of Portugal. Body is holding up really well, but I am looking forward to heading home next week.

Some days later at Arrifana

Now at the youth hostel in Arrifana on the coast again  Yesterday was meant to be a short walk of only 12 kms from Aljezur. Creatively we stretched that to more than 18. Picking up the red and white markers we followed the trail out of town, climbing ever upwards until we could see the sea again. But hang on, it is on our left. It seems we had picked up the Via Algarviana trail by the church and gone in the wrong direction. Back to town. The real trail of the Rota Vicentina also leaves by the church. The other church. The one in the old town. Climbed up to the Aljezur castle. This castle is one of 7 represented on the Portuguese flag. Church, the correct one is 300m from there. Of we go now on the right trail. Nice walk with a couple of breath sapping hills. Ran into our v German friend Jorgen coming the other way. He also is staying at this hostel. A gorgeous, modern hostel it is. Good bar and can provide dinner and breakfast.

To Almogarve.

Tough little walk today. Only 15kms, but the sand knocks it out of you. Scenery was superb, cliffs, waves, spray, sea birds. Had a short half an hour nap about half way. Deep in thought. Divine. Hit town, sunk some beer, made the acquaintance of a nice German chap. Tomorrow 22kms, ugh.

Porto Covo to Vilanova da Milfontes

Sorry about the lack of pictures. They are on Facebook as my blogger app does not like uploading pictures from an external SD card. Will put up pictures when I return to Oz.
A difficult walk today of about 20 kms along the beach, cliffs and sandy paths. Very scenic but tough on the legs. The heights were a challenge too. Another difficult but shorter stint tomorrow. We are now on the fisherman's trail for a little bit as we swap back and forth between them. Lovely, lovely part of the world.

  

  

  

Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo

Very pleasant walk today. Was just Siggi and I, as Steve took a taxi as was not well. Now at seaside at Porto Covo. With the wind whipping off the Atlantic is a bit cool.
An ode to Lefty.
My dear. After all our time together you start to complain. You rub my instep. So we have to come to a new understanding. I will not do up the top lacing and you will not complain again, please. Tomorrow or the day after we will discuss again. Thank-you Lefty.


        

        


        

        


      

Cercal do Alentejo

Another nice walk today. Little under 20 kms to Cercal do Alentejo. Morning good, with a little fog to start. Rained in the afternoon. Stayed at a lovely spot last night. Joining us for dinner, 2 Danes, 2 Austrians, and our German, English and Australian team. 2 Italians were also at breakfast. Dinner was vegetable soup, followed by a potato and fish bake, vino tintho & vino tintho. Very nice.

Day one of Rota Vicentina.

End of day one on the Vicentina. Staying at a lovely spot, Moinhos do Paneiro ( or something close to that). 22 km of lovely back trails from Santiago de Cacem to Vale Seco, some water and mud because it rained overnight. Gorgeous scenery. Posts might be scarce as phone signal weak.