Porto to Vila do Condes - Walk by the water

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Walking by the Atlantic, in mild temperatures and still air, was an ideal start for taking on the longer stages of Camino Portuguese. I started early, trying my best not to disturb albergue companions who had only just come back from the solstice festivities. Imagine that!
I walked through the inner city past groups of tired happy people still out there at 6 am. Not a sign of any antisocial stuff - fabulous!
Reflective of the night that was

Pavement symbols reminded me that I was on the path - albeit heading in the wrong direction!

I wanted to begin near the cathedral down by the riverside. The Duoro river looked majestic in early morning.

I followed the path to where the river meets The Atlantic.
Moments later, I was walking by the breakers.
It was so quiet. No-one. No open shops, no stalls, no distractions 

Solitude was welcome, until I realised I hadn’t had any breakfast. Some time later, I found an open cafe.
  This was fine but I was hoping for a Portuguese tart! Then more walking remembering ‘keep the ocean of your left, Mike’

One interesting feature of my beach front walk were the local life guards- first, yes that’s right, they still use reels!
Second, I mean - really- where else could you put the flags!
There were stretches of wide sand and surf

Most of the time was spent walking on wooden board walks 
For several hours I walked with Samatha from USA and Larissa and Francesca from Germany- we stopped and had lunch together 

A couple more hours and I arrived in Vila do Condes

Festival time once again! In honour the town’s  ‘matron saint’? St Joan - who from a distance appeared to bear some resemblance to a Hanna-Barbera cartoon character- Can you guess who?

Later there was a procession and street parade in honour of St Joan - it seemed every facet of town life was represented from saints to marching bands.

Including St John The Baptist looking very Wild Thing

Then he struck up the band 🎵

Today was a long walk by the water -I felt satisfied to be back on the path- even managed a quick dip between the flags 🏊‍♂️ and my first blister 
I’ll sleep well tonight 














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