Day 4: Balugaes to Ponte de Lima 13.5 miles
It is hard to remember the day of the week or the calendar date. Thank you, Alana for your sweet reminder that it is Sunday and Mother's Day!
Beautiful day and lovely weather. No rain and not too hot. The terrain changed as the Padela mountains, Nora Mountains and the d'Arga range came in view. We walked on country and back roads almost the entire road, only crossing major roads. Much of the cobblestone roads were constructed by the Romans. As we tread, there was a sense of antiquity.
We continue between old stone walls in many of the areas. We are in a valley between the River Neiva and River Lima with the Padela mountains in view first with other ranges later in the day.
Romanesque church with medieval stone crosses.
Outside Estabulo de Valinhas: The sign states: 171.3 km to Santiago
Decorated with "Easter Lilies"
More between the old medieval walls
Flower design on the road for a long-distant bike race
Three of the bikers
Lovely woodlands of Eucalyptus trees and the purple wildflowers
Resting spot outside Quinta da Portela
St. James in niche in wall
Shrine to St. James beside a St. Sebastian's Chapel
Many of the homes had their own fowl houses. A goose checking us out.
Twin new-born lambs
Many examples of medieval structures. Nora Mountains and the peaks of the d'Arga range in the distance.
Time for a break with other pilgrims at a roadside cafe in Seara
Lemon trees!
River Lima with medieval stone bridge in the background. We will walk over it tomorrow.
Plane Tree Avenue along the River Lima entering Ponte de Lima
Market Place on the River Lima near the city center
Bronze statues showing local traditional dress and musical instruments
Past prison and now houses the Tourist Information Center
Igreja Matriz XV Parish Church
Inside the church. Interesting pastoral scenes surrounding Mary
Tiled scene on the outside wall of the church
Torre de S. Paulo-part of the original defensive walls of the town
From the balcony of our room in Mercearia da Vila
Tomorrow is our biggest challenge! For sure. Nearly 14 miles over a mountain. To date, observations from Allen. A great trip. Wonderful people. Good food. Good weather. We walk over a lot of uneven cobblestones which hurt like hell. So far, I am unable to fathom the "spiritual" aspect of this pilgrimage. My spiritual moments have come at the end of each day when we enter our hotel. C U tomorrow.
Beautiful day and lovely weather. No rain and not too hot. The terrain changed as the Padela mountains, Nora Mountains and the d'Arga range came in view. We walked on country and back roads almost the entire road, only crossing major roads. Much of the cobblestone roads were constructed by the Romans. As we tread, there was a sense of antiquity.
We continue between old stone walls in many of the areas. We are in a valley between the River Neiva and River Lima with the Padela mountains in view first with other ranges later in the day.
Romanesque church with medieval stone crosses.
What could these old stone walls tell us?
Padela Mountains in the background
Outside Estabulo de Valinhas: The sign states: 171.3 km to Santiago
Decorated with "Easter Lilies"
More between the old medieval walls
Flower design on the road for a long-distant bike race
Three of the bikers
Lovely woodlands of Eucalyptus trees and the purple wildflowers
Resting spot outside Quinta da Portela
St. James in niche in wall
Shrine to St. James beside a St. Sebastian's Chapel
Many of the homes had their own fowl houses. A goose checking us out.
Twin new-born lambs
Many examples of medieval structures. Nora Mountains and the peaks of the d'Arga range in the distance.
Time for a break with other pilgrims at a roadside cafe in Seara
Lemon trees!
River Lima with medieval stone bridge in the background. We will walk over it tomorrow.
Plane Tree Avenue along the River Lima entering Ponte de Lima
Market Place on the River Lima near the city center
Bronze statues showing local traditional dress and musical instruments
Past prison and now houses the Tourist Information Center
Igreja Matriz XV Parish Church
Inside the church. Interesting pastoral scenes surrounding Mary
Tiled scene on the outside wall of the church
Torre de S. Paulo-part of the original defensive walls of the town
From the balcony of our room in Mercearia da Vila
Tomorrow is our biggest challenge! For sure. Nearly 14 miles over a mountain. To date, observations from Allen. A great trip. Wonderful people. Good food. Good weather. We walk over a lot of uneven cobblestones which hurt like hell. So far, I am unable to fathom the "spiritual" aspect of this pilgrimage. My spiritual moments have come at the end of each day when we enter our hotel. C U tomorrow.
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