2022 Tuesday, Oct 4

Porto to Arcos

Today’s hike from Porto to Arcos was unusual as we were given a ride from our Porto hotel to the outskirts of Porto. That short taxi ride saved us miles of hiking in rush hour through business and industrial areas of Porto. Considering the mileage we walked on our rest days, we consider it a wash.

12.31 miles hiking 9:33 am to 4:58 pm; 861 ft elevation gain. 12.91total miles for the day.

2022  Portugal  Camino Portuguese

Click to view today’s video: https://www.relive.cc/view/v1Ow9M18BXq

Grif and Jeanie from Kentucky
At the hotel breakfast we met Grif and Jeanie from Kentucky who were walking their first day today. Such joy and excitement in their faces!
cobblestone streets with few Camino markers
Off again. Cobblestone streets with few markers. People in cars gesturing wildly for the correct way to go. Thank goodness for these helpful Portuguese!
a stamp station in Gaio
Quickly I spot a stamp station in Gaio. Richard is waiting next to me when a truck pulls up next to us and honks.
a mobile fish monger displaying her wares
She opens her truck and we discover she’s a fish monger!
a mobile fish monger displaying her wares
Housewives come quickly to see her wares. Richard asked the types of fish, but could only understand sardines.
parish church in Gaio
The parish church in Gaio was closed, but tile pictures on the front showed the importance of Santo António and the martyrdom of Santo Estevão for the parish.
Chapel of San Ovidio with views toward the ocean and rubber trees in the yard
We hoped to visit the Chapel of San Ovidio where at a climb to the tower would give a good ocean view. Unfortunately, the church was closed but the weather was hazy and would not have given a good view anyway. A workman at the top encouraged us to come down to the second level after having a look.
harvesting the rubber
Alfredo and George were harvesting cork (cortiça) on the second level. George was the braun and Alfredo may have provided supervision. In any case, they were very proud of their work and wanted to share both beer and lunch.
rubber bark stripped off the tree
Here is some of their previous work.
a popular restaurant with a pilgrim's menu on the way to Arcos
We had lunch along the road at a popular restaurant. It was the first pilgrim’s menu in a while — 8 Euros each including the entree and drink. Logistics appear to be a bit easier now that we have passed Porto.
this ancient bridge leads into the town of Arcos
The D. Zameiro bridge was constructed partly with a donation from King Alfonso Henriques, and was an important point between Oporto and Barcelos, mentioned as early as 1185 in a testament of the bishop of Oporto City.
almost to Arcos with the church in the background
A few more miles and one more medieval bridge from the 12th century (rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries) and we’re headed to tonight’s lodging at a Quinta adjacent to the church in Arcos.
our room at the Quinta in Arcos
the garden outside our room in Arcos
The garden outside our door.
our room at the Quinta in Arcos
Our sitting area!

Comments:

Lois and Elwin Stocking: We are watching you! Your travels look fabulous!!! 22/10/06

Reply: Having a great time! 2022/10/06

Lois and Elwin Stocking: GREAT!!!

Dan Hendry: Looked more like the “country” Camino and less like being on roadways. Looked like you got to see a great deal of Porto. One of our favorite cities to walk at night. Colorful, vibrant and safe. Amazing the variety of environments and sights in both the country and city environments you are venturing through. Both you and Richard look happy and healthy! 22/10/04

Reply: We do feel pretty good at this point. Several new pilgrims started the walk yesterday—their enthusiasm is contagious and we love hearing their first impressions. Last night’s accommodation is one of the tiny towns where we are self-contained and eat together at the hotel restaurant. Different from Porto! 2022/10/05