Long day for us! Started out by the ocean, then the route curved inward winding through little villages. Just as our feet were missing the boardwalks, we were on a beautiful trail through forests of ferns and eucalyptus trees. Enjoyed the sound of the stream, then onto the church in Castelo do Neiva where we got cookies with our stamp! Then back to walking along the forest trail and stream beds, accompanied by the tinkle of goat bells, more road till we finally reached the long bridge over the river Lima to Viana do Castelo. There was a festival going on in VdC so we got to see some colorful native costumes as an added treat!
Yes, it was as peaceful as it looks. And the eucalyptus smelled so good! If only my allergies had also appreciated it….
Those cobblestones that look so pretty are really hard on your feet after a while!
So we really appreciated trails like this for most of the day.
Quaint little stone bridge, the Ponte do Sebastiāo, over the river Neiva that we had been listening to for a while.
A map made from painted tiles showing the traditional route that pilgrims have taken over the centuries to Santiago. We will be walking along a similar route, but by the coast which is a bit longer, over the next few weeks.
The Eiffel Bridge, a multi-level bridge (trains pass on the level below) opened in 1878, was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same guy who designed the Eiffel Tower.
The biggest festival in Portugal, commemorating Nossa Sephora da Agonia, the patron saint of fishermen in progress. Today was a procession of groups from different regions in Northern Portugal, with traditional dress and music.
And finally, our stamps for the day!
Two Clines Traveling 