2022 Wednesday, Oct 5

Arcos to Barcelos

We expected the day to be fairly simple and only about 14 miles. However, when much of the trek after mid-morning was along busy highways, we decided to take an alternative route that went up the mountain but was only supposed to add 1 km.

Hike 14.55 miles, 9:18 am to 6:41 pm. 1387 ft elevation gain. 16.0 miles for the day.

2022  Portugal   Camino Portuguese

Click the link to see today’s video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxpVJeRBv

our overnight Quinta at Arcos
One last picture of our Quinta last night as we headed out of town.
Jon and Pam from Ohio
New friends Jon and Pam from Ohio began their Camino Wednesday in Porto. Their excitement was infectious.
Richard on the trail
bicyclists on the trail
Tuesday we saw three Ukrainian bicyclists. They had shirts identifying their country and one person had a flag affixed to the back of the bike. Richard had a chance to confirm their country before they raced off.
Richard on the trail meeting Fatima pilgrims
Sometimes our paths cross with Fatima pilgrims who are heading south while we head north. Richard is ready with a “Bom Caminho” regardless of the destination.
trailside garden in discarded shoes
A pilgrim’s stopover in the woods complete with notes, left items, and ribbons.
Barcelos rooster
The stopover includes the Barcelos rooster that we see everywhere in the next town. The miracle similar to Santa Domingo on the Spanish Camino is connected with a chicken dinner coming to life to prove the veracity of a saint.
Richard on the road
By now the path was mainly along highways and we had tired of the noise and traffic. We elected to take the alternate woodland route even though it took us over the mountain and climbed 165 meters. Richard is on the road up the mountain, but traffic is scarce.
view of the ocean from the top of the mountain
The view from the mountain out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Chapel of Sta. Da Franqueira
The Chapel of Sta. Da Franqueira dates from the 18th century and carries the name of the mountain. It is relatively simple and modern but was open and in use.
Chapel of Sta. Da Franqueira
Santiago marker 199 km
Great news! Our first marker announcing that we have less than 200 km to go to Santiago. We should expect a regular countdown from here on.

We didn’t spend much time exploring but had dinner and early bedtime. Happily, we have another day in town for resting and exploring nearby Braga.

Comments:

Ann Prazza: Wow-some real work today and the photos are spectacular. So exciting to see signs for Santiago del Composteli! And the Ukrainian cyclists are fab!
Keep it up you pilgrims!!! 2022/10/08

Dan Hendry Nice to see other people on the trail with you. Must be “comforting?” 2022/10/07

Reply: We’re seeing more and more pilgrims since we left Porto. It is fun to talk to those we can, and learn more about each of our stories. There are amazing similarities no matter where we each come from. 2022/10/08

Ann Prazza:  Wow-you guys are really making trucks now. Love the shoes with plants in them that folks left behind 22/10/06

Reply: People are so creative! I love the streamers, rocks, and notes as well. 2022/10/06