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I saw your earlier post last night. It sounds like things might be getting better. What did puzzle me is why anyone would attempt what I suspect was a 34 km day when the forecast conditions were so hot. Will that experience encourage you to re-think your stages when similar conditions are forecast? I think that would be one of the first things that I would be doing, and keeping an eye on the weather forecast. I have an app called Windy loaded that provides good forecasting, but there are many other sources for local weather.Thank you everyone. I’m 55 and not in the best of shape. I’ve stopped for a coffee and croissant along the way to Esposende. The cooler temperatures help a lot! I will cross over to the central route tomorrow. There were many broken boardwalks yesterday, which meant a lot of time walking in sand.
I can understand. I did most of my earlier pilgrimages before I retired, but do recall the pressure that can create.Let’s say foolishness, folly and arrogance. Plus I’m still working and don’t have as many days off as I wish.
You can do it!Thank you everyone. I’m 55 and not in the best of shape. I’ve stopped for a coffee and croissant along the way to Esposende. The cooler temperatures help a lot! I will cross over to the central route tomorrow. There were many broken boardwalks yesterday, which meant a lot of time walking in sand.
Im literally just back from the coastal porto to Santiago. I understand completely what you are saying. First day was beautiful but extremely exposed to the sun i was very badly burned without even realising it.Today I walked (solo) from Porto to Vila do Conde along the Senda Litoral. It was almost a full 9 hours in near 30 degree heat - my pace is pretty damn slow. I saw 2 - 4 pilgrims my whole day. It was beautiful scenery, but unbearable heat & loneliness. I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Tomorrow I’m heading to Esposende and I’m hoping it will be better. Maybe the heat won’t be as intense? Maybe it’s my first Camino blues and my body isn’t used to it?
I was going to along the coast after Caminha, (to Oia & Baiona) but now I’m thinking I should cut in towards Valenca. Should I cut in after Esposende?
I need to know if things will get better? I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.
From Caminha you can walk after two or so kms on a new ( it was there when I walked in 2019) path, the Ecopista. It leads to Valença do Minho to hit the central routeCan someone describe the trail between Caminha and Valenca along the Minho River?
It looks to be about 16 miles. Any suggestions for an overnight location/stay half way? Thanks!
Rick
Hi I am following your steps next week. Please keep me posted. I am afraid I may have to do the same if the heat is unbearable. Thank youThank you everyone. I’m 55 and not in the best of shape. I’ve stopped for a coffee and croissant along the way to Esposende. The cooler temperatures help a lot! I will cross over to the central route tomorrow. There were many broken boardwalks yesterday, which meant a lot of time walking in sand.
I ended up taking a bus from Esposende to Ponte de Lima. I’m very happy with my decision. I’ve enjoyed the community of pilgrims, the varied terrains & more amenities between major towns.Hi I am following your steps next week. Please keep me posted. I am afraid I may have to do the same if the heat is unbearable. Thank you
Thanks for this.I think I may have to do similar to that as I on the same route as you in 2 weeks.Obviously I'll see how I'm doing at the time,I am a regular walker and I may be fine,but I'm 78 and will be being careful and I'm no hero.We walked the Coastal Camino in late September and after an exhausting day getting to Esposende, we opted the next day to take an Uber to Viana do Castelo and had a free day to explore that delightful town. We were then refreshed to continue on the coastal route to Caminha (another delightful town) where we then followed the trail along the south side of the Minho River to Valenca and Tui. We were very pleased with that decision.
Enjoyed your comments. I am leaving Texas Monday arriving Tuesday at Porto and plan to start my coastal Camino Wednesday. How is the weather? Hesitating about what to bring if it's not going to be too cold. Also, did you start walking at the cathedral in Porto or bypassed the industrial area. I read that most pilgrims omit this part. Thank you for sharing.I am now at Pontevedra. The shorter days have done me a world of good. I start early (between 6-7) and get to my next destination around 1pm. It gives me a chance to shower, wash some clothes, explore the town or rest (as I am doing today). I have learned a lot over the last several days that will make my next camino more enjoyable!
Go slow. Enjoy your time. Stop for second breakfast. Take pictures. Keep your feet dry - change your socks halfway through your walk.
I walked the Senda Litoral going along the water out of Porto. It was gorgeous (I also live in a landlocked area so it was important that I get in some seaside)!!! I got to Vila do Condo my first day and then Esposende the next. Both during very hot days - nearly 30C. I honestly wasn’t prepared for the heat or the distance. If I had been smarter, I would have stopped at Labruge.Enjoyed your comments. I am leaving Texas Monday arriving Tuesday at Porto and plan to start my coastal Camino Wednesday. How is the weather? Hesitating about what to bring if it's not going to be too cold. Also, did you start walking at the cathedral in Porto or bypassed the industrial area. I read that most pilgrims omit this part. Thank you for sharing.
Rick, Thank you so much for the information. Very useful since I am packing now. Hope you continue to enjoy your Camino.Olimpia;
We started in Porto on April 28th and walked the Senda Litoral/Coastal and am now in Nigran, about 15km from Vigo. The weather has been fantastic and mostly very comfortable….upper 60’s to mid-70’s. Always get a nice sea breeze off the ocean. A light jacket is warranted for evenings and if you’re starting the walk before the sun gets too high. The sun is intense so bring some sunscreen. If you have a light weight long sleeved top, that will keep the sun off your arms. The coastal route will merge with the central once we get to Redondela. Absolutely have no regrets about taking our route. Not many pilgrims, easy to book accommodations, and stunningly beautiful coast line. There are plenty of challenging hill climbs along the way but much of it is pretty level. Buen Camino!
Rick
I know this post is a month old, but I am in your same situation. I'm lying in my hostel with aching feet. Vila Cha to Esposende was a rough one!! I might take an Uber to Viana like you did, thanks for the idea!!We walked the Coastal Camino in late September and after an exhausting day getting to Esposende, we opted the next day to take an Uber to Viana do Castelo and had a free day to explore that delightful town. We were then refreshed to continue on the coastal route to Caminha (another delightful town) where we then followed the trail along the south side of the Minho River to Valenca and Tui. We were very pleased with that decision.
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