Viana do Castelo to Caminha- Soul food!

After almost a week and over a hundred kilometres, everybody is challenged in some way- but you would not know it from our dinner table vibe. Only ‘one on one’  picks up on that. Tonight we shared soul food and music and laughter, and supported one another. 

For me, the day was long, very long at times. What began in predawn -  as inner city street walking

and screen checking to find ways out of town,  
transformed into several hours of ocean side walking and watching the North Atlantic waves crest and break. 
Pilgrims from everywhere and nowhere were already on the path. It was a joy to meet to two inspiring women from Ukraine.
They are filming a documentary of their Camino experience. We chatted and recorded conversations about lots of aspects of Camino life.

A stop for morning tea after three hours was welcome.

The landscape varied a little- at times the path went inland.
I had been walking slowly and to make up time, did some roadside walking. This took me past a supermarket where I bought supplies and had lunch.

Back to seaside.
The seaside towns I have walked through are inviting,

and history is never far away - neither are halted holiday apartment construction 
As the afternoon wore on, temperatures rose. The going got tougher, despite the attractive seaside setting.

I decided to call it quits at Caminha. I am glad I did. The albergue is so welcoming.

I set up my bunk and showered 

And played music with the locals - Mel from Ireland is a part owner and lives on site. 
Our communal dinner was delicious- we swapped stories as we ate.
Afterwards a number of us went to the garden up the stairs. More chatting, listening and singing- it was fun- just the ticket after a tough day.