Day 8: Valenca to Porrino 14.5 mi

First an observation-I was hoping that I would not gain and maybe lose a pound or two (I know, I know).  But as we know, but don't like to admit-more calories go in no matter the exercise unless at high altitudes.  The wonderful buns and beer are preventing weight loss, but I'm going to keep eating and enjoying.  The other note: I told Allen how Kenille, my sister, loves to meander and absorb everything when she walks.  When we were in Alaska, I thought we had lost her numerous times but found her several miles (well, may not miles) gazing at a flower.  Allen now calls them "Kenille" moments---"Vivian, stop and enjoy this view--take a Kenille."

The Way today began early in Portugal but we soon entered Spain first retracing where the train took us yesterday.  I will begin the pictures as we leave the Fortaleza in Valenca and walk across into Tui and Spain.

Leaving Portugal

Can you imagine the two armies watching each other across the River?

Wonderful 19th C bridge based on Gustave Eiffel's design over the River Minho. The train travels on the top level. Cars and pilgrims below.

From the bridge

Instead of going through the old town of Tui that we visited yesterday, we walked along the river-beautiful! The weather was perfect!

11C Romanesque church of San Bartolome de Rebordans.  Originally 6th C monastery, seat of Tui Bishops. In 11th C bishops made Tui home after restoration of their region's seat in 1067.

Back on Roman Way XIX toward Ponte da Veiga

Modern Pilgrim Sculpture

Medieval Bridge  (too bad we don't have infrastructure in the States that last like this!)

"Fever" Bridge-Ponte das Febres, where San Telmo, the Bishop of Tui fell ill and died of plague in 1251 on his way baack from a pilgrimage to Santiago. 

As we leave the sad bridge and walk through gorgeous landscapes.

Shock! Another medieval bridge

Mural of Portico de Gloria

Pilgrim

Except for the slight ache in our legs, we could have walked forever-beauty, silence except for frogs, a cool breeze, and sunshine filtering through the branches. Perhaps not a spiritual moment, but meditative at times.

Open Cast Mines

Vender machine in the middle of nowhere.

It is interesting how the Amigos of the Camino Society have worked to keep pilgrims safe. Similar to Appalachian Trail. When the industrial area of Porrino became unsafe and unattractive, new beautiful trails that are pictured above were established.  The businesses didn't like the change and tried to paint out the new routes (see below), but the Amigos painted over.

So we continued with a beautiful walk all the way into Porrino.

Friends,

Today was like walking in an air  conditioned world. Hard to get back in rhythm after our day of rest. Fellow travelers keep asking if I am Vivian's father. We just agree. One amazing observation. The rivers and streams are crystal clear. No silt, we can almost always see the bottom. Sometimes hard to find a dinner spot. Restaurants here, usually, don't open until 7 or 8 p.m. Five more days, about 62 miles, tomorrow a long day with some inclines. Kenille "moments" R many. Big frogs hopping in the streams. Sheep. Varieties of cows and chickens and dogs and mountains and fauna. For me, so far, the "spiritual" aspect of this walk is the serenity and peace embracing us nomads. No politics to burden us, and word from our dog sitter that Gretchen the Wonder Dog is content. This is challenging, but I have an inner pride of my, of our, accomplishment.

Buenas noches,

Allen