BLOG: Our daily adventures,
Week 23: Avintes to Briteiros
June 11th to 17th
- Day 155: June 11th: A casinha d'Avintes to Foz do Sousa - 18 km
Two good surprises today:
As we were about to go grocery shopping, a couple of good samaritans intrigued by our Camino sign, engaged a conversation with us. Impressed by our project, they followed Casey into the supermarket and insisted to pay for our groceries.
Then, after a few km of walking in the heat, a plum tree gave us its delicious ripe fruits to eat.
As we were about to go grocery shopping, a couple of good samaritans intrigued by our Camino sign, engaged a conversation with us. Impressed by our project, they followed Casey into the supermarket and insisted to pay for our groceries.
Then, after a few km of walking in the heat, a plum tree gave us its delicious ripe fruits to eat.
18 km done for a total of 2062+18 = 2080 km
- Day 156: June 12th: Foz do Sousa to Parque das Serras do Porto - 18 km
Casey's sniffing plants habit.
After a small break in Valongo cafe, where a Camino lover offered us free beers, we head towards the next village located on the other side of the mountain.
18 km done for a total of 2080+18 = 2098 km
- Day 157: June 13th: Parque das Serras do Porto to Quinta Rei - 13 km
The typical rock piles we saw on the mountain slopes are called heaps match in fact the roman "conheiras", associated with gold mining. These important archeological remains help to tell the story of roman gold mining in this territory which began with free gold and only after proceeded to underground extraction.
The gold was extracted from the slope lands (colluvial deposits) and from the deposits in river channels (alluvial deposits). At this stage, the gold was already free, with no need for grinding, just for a washing process in which water played a fundamental role. In 2014, a set of roman hydraulic exploitations was identified in Pias mountain range, distributed in an area of 6km2.
On the left bank of the Ferreira river, we could see sections of an important roman water channel, which may have reached 8.5 km in length and supplied the hydraulic operations in this sector. In the ridge of Pias mountain range, there were identified two tanks which served to collect water from the rain and small springs, to use in higher regions where the water supply could not be assured through river channels.
Tonight we give ourselves a delicious treat: roasted foie gras with caramelized pears! A bit of luxury thanks to Casey's rare find in the Aldi supermarket where he went grocery shopping: 2 euros for a taste of heaven in our mouth... overjoyed we are!
We were about to pitch our tent on the top of the mountain in a eucalyptus forest at the crossroad of two trails when a car came by. Two men tried to explain (google translate helping) that our spot is quite unsafe to pitch our tent. There are thieves in the area..they usually steal cars or the gas in their tanks but they might also steal from us. One of them Ricardo, manager of a paper company, invite us to set camp a few meters down the road in the eucalyptus plantation farm that he manage. Again, we are very lucky..a beautiful lush grass awaits us there with access to fresh water from a hose to take a shower the next day and a pick-nick table to cook our brunch the next day.
13 km done for a total of 2098+13 = 2111km
- Day 158: June 14th: Quinta Rei to Guimarei - 22 km
A very common scene on our way, the locals use the forest trails as their dumping stations. A few km later, we also found the remains of 2 cars broken down into pieces.
In the little village of Guimarei, the only place still open is the small Bar Pedra azul. Good surprise when we've arrived there they were broadcasting one of the NBA final games: San Francisco against Boston...little thought for my friend Lydia who lives there in California.
22 km done for a total of 2111+22= 2133 km
- Day 159: June 15th: Guimarei to Novais - 20 km
We start our day by a little lunch in a charming small restaurant "Adega do Ze" where we order the prato do dia: delicious ribbs with rice soup, 2 copas de vinho tinto and 2 cafes... Again, thanks to our camino sign, we get the immediate sympathy of the locals and a substantial discount on our bill.
Santo Tirso streets
Little stop at the Mosteiro de Sao Bento in Santo Tirso to get ourselves a camino stamp.
We are dropping sweat as temperature rises above 30 degrees...the small beach near the river is very welcoming: sand under our feet and refreshing ice tea.
My forehead seemed very attracting for a wasp which took it for a landing runway while I was having my shower.
My forehead seemed very attracting for a wasp which took it for a landing runway while I was having my shower.
Casey and I found a little paradise garden to pick mandarines..the hiking sticks are coming handy.
It is as if the sky wanted to fall on our heads..just as we were walking on a path under the trees of a small forest...we started to hear the loudest of thunder then the rain came pouring down like a waterfall...casey's taking shelter as well as he can.
20 km done for a total of 2133+20= 2153 km
- Day 160: June 16th: Novais to Brito - 17 km
Peculiar olive tree which seems to have been painted, leaves by leaves, with this fluorescent blueish color.
The local cafe in Vermil has a large choice of Port wine. We met there Hugo and his twin brother who kindly paid for our bill. In exchange, Hugo was looking for information. He is a potatoes and onions producer and wants to export his vegetables to France and Germany. Not to many foreigners walk by this village and we become the attraction of the day.
17 km done for a total of 2153+17= 2170 km
- Day 161: June 17th: Novais to Briteiros - 15 km
Little U2 message on our way...
We are the machines! Watch out here we're coming, at a turtle pace, but we are.
The path to Santiago is once again indicated, we've been slaloming our way through villages who were on or off the main track.
We were following the hiking trails along the river Ave and found this beautiful park with picnic tables..time for a little lunch in the shade.
Casey's crossing the river on a very ancient bridge...it's amazing to realize that pilgrims walked above the same massive stones hundreds years ago.
We are getting closer to Santiago de Compostela: it's time to collect more stamps on our credential. The little parish of Guimaraes is one of the listed city on the main Camino path. The religious belief of the inhabitants is illustrated by the many monuments dedicated to their christian faith.
We've arrived in the countryside in the midst of christians celebrations. Almost every week a new saint is commemorated: every night since a few days we've seen and heard fireworks in the night sky or firecrackers explosions early in the morning. This week was Sao Antonio's turn, the saint patron of weddings and fertility. Next week will be San Joao and, the following one, Sao Pedro...each week another excuse to party.
At the extremity of the Park, a little beach near the river Ave..like the locals, we jump in its water to refresh ourselves.
The Portuguese here let everything grow wild: cabbages and vine reach a few meters high.
A small break at the bar Romantico...where we met the owner and Luis his wife. They both spoke a perfect German after having worked in Switzerland for 18 years. They are now happy to retire under the Portuguese sun. I was glad I could use my newly acquired Deutsch Vokabeln um zu uben.
As we were passing by a house on our way out of the village, a man asked us if we were thirsty and in need of water...he came back with 2 big bottles of mineral water and two warm bifanas on top! So happy to meet generous and supportive people here in Portugal.
15 km done for a total of 2170+15= 2185 km