2022 Saturday, Sept. 17

Santarem Rest Day

It was our rest day in Santarem but we looked at the long day slated for Sunday and decided to walk part of that walk. We enjoyed the sites in Santarem atop the hill, and then walked the roughly 7.25 miles to the first town and took the train back to Santarem. The temperature was in the 80’s but we had lightened packs since we had hoped for a short walk. It turned out to be a grueling 13.1 miles in blistering heat.

2022 Portugal  Camino Portuguese

Video of today’s adventures: https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOnKBAeG56. Click out of the window to return to the pictures here.

Bom Caminho and directions from Santarem townsman
This gentleman was out with friends but was excited to wish us Bom Caminho and directed us on our way.
Igrejs da Graça in Santarem
The Igrejs da Graça where the explorer who founded Brazil, Pedro Alvares Cabral is buried.
ancient Moor's Citadel walls of Santarem
Part of the ancient Mooris Citadel walls of Santarem at the apex of the hill. The Porto do Sol gives a beautiful view of the Rio Tejo below.
Alfonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal
Alfonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, is honored for bringing Christiandom back to Portugal by defeating the Moors at this citadel.
Pilgrim's gate leaving Santarem
Richard is preparing to descend through the Pulgrim’s Gate, leaving Santarem.
ancient, tough trail heading steeply down the hill on which Santarem is built
It’s an ancient, tough trail heading steeply down the hill.
Richard on farm roads with puddles
Recent rains have made potholes on the farm roads leading out of the city.
Leonard and Joanna at the train station at Vale de Figuerira
Once we reached the train station at Vale de Figuerira, we still had trouble getting tickets for our return trip to Santarem. Leonard and Joanna gave logistical advice and we enjoyed conversations about America.
Santarem train station
Back at Santarem. Now to navigate back to the hotel.
celebratory beers
New friends from Texas, Gisel and Kim, took our picture on the hotel balcony.
Kim and Gisel from Texas, bicycling the Camino Portuguese

Comments:

Dan Hendry:  What is nice on your type of trip are the interactions you are able to have the locals. Something we miss out on when on our American tours. You both look great! 2022/09/18

Reply: We always enjoy talking to the people and are usually able to garble our way through even when there is not a common language. Finally we are seeing a few more pilgrims. 2022/09/19

Reply: Since trekking to Santiago is such an ancient activity, most folks are used to pilgrims and are willing to help. Still, there are the unexpected blessings that happen and make a day completely special.

Jim Constantin: You guys look great! Jan, thanks for doing the blog. Buen Camino. Jim 2022/09/19

Reply: Thanks, Jim. We enjoy the journey and have so many surprise blessings. It is because of you that we began these Caminos, so it always feels that you are with us on the trek. 2022/09/20

Jim Constantin: See new stuff. Drink some wine. Make new friends and push those old bodies! Jim 2022/09/20