Vila do Conde to Esposende - Solo, slow steps & surprises

You are kidding! A goat followed me today appearing out of nowhere but seeming well-versed in pilgrim protocol.. After several kilometres, I said ‘okay it’s time to go our separate ways’ and we did! 

Another surprise overlooked in my last post was the representation of my archangel namesake in yesterday’s procession. 

The young man playing my patron saint appeared to be a combination of a Roman Centurion and a fairy Princess. Not sure how I feel about that though I do appreciate that San Miguel is seen as a positive and strong saintly and cultural presence in Spain and Portugal.

Nearly everyone in the dormitory had cleared out by the time I woke up this morning so I wandered off alone in search of breakfast - I made my way along quiet streets watching people start their day

Overhanging decorations are reminders of the way these streets come alive for locals.
The beaches were being prepared for visitors - not too many yet but numbers build over the summer.

On my first stop at a Portuguese beach hut I found one!

I stepped slowly this morning along the wooden boardwalks - a case of day two coming down!

Ever cautious of the dangers of swimming in the sea, 
I jumped in anyway- it was glorious- the colder water worked wonders on aching feet and legs - bliss!
Thanks Roadrunner- I am taking my time today, though not enough for a round of golf.
More board walking, which is a pain because my walking poles get stuck in the gaps [Stop complaining, Mike]

Then the goat showed up!

Ever tried having a conversation with a goat? Thankfully, after awhile some other pilgrims came along and he moved on - A very Camino thing to do!

The afternoon walk was through shady bushland which local authorities are trying to preserve as a national park. It was a welcome change of scenery.

Every  now and then you come across memorials of people‘s Camino journey. These can look a bit tacky, but they have meaning for those who placed the artefacts there and I respect that.

I felt a sense of relief as I approached the last few kilometres. It had not been a long day by regular Camino standards. But it was a tough day for me following up on a full day yesterday so early in my journey this time.

I was cheered by the biggest yellow arrow I have ever seen in all the times I have walked the Camino. I looked down- and looked again- and laughed out loud.

I searched my phone for somewhere to stay.

Great, this is an albergue close to the beach! I walked in and soon realised it was a Ritzy holiday resort that gave special discounts to pilgrims. How cool is that?

I had a whole apartment to myself woo hoo🤣🥳 So I headed to Aldi for supplies 

Bliss to be alone after five nights of communal habitation . I am savouring every minute and will sleep well tonight.

😊