LIVE from the Camino The Camino Provides

[Lindsay53]

This afternoon on the long slog from Azambuja to Santarem, in the middle of nowhere, I was thinking how great it would be to have somewhere to sit down for a few minutes. Not 2 minutes later I came across this:

The Camino provides!️

 

[J Willhaus]

This afternoon on the long slog from Azambuja to Santarem, in the middle of nowhere, I was thinking how great it would be to have somewhere to sit down for a few minutes. Not 2 minutes later I came across this:View attachment 121443

The Camino provides!️

Be careful about bed bugs...could be why they got rid of it?

 

[lvf]

Hi Lin

This afternoon on the long slog from Azambuja to Santarem, in the middle of nowhere, I was thinking how great it would be to have somewhere to sit down for a few minutes. Not 2 minutes later I came across this:View attachment 121443

The Camino provides!️

say. We’re a bit ahead of you in Tomar and enjoying every step! Bom Caminho!

 

[Lindsay53]

An update from the Camino. After 9 days of walking I am in Coimbra. It has been an excellent Camino, met about 15 or so other pilgrims (one of whom was bitten by a dog, luckily not serious). Not much rain but cold wind and very cold at night. Sun is strong, I got slight sunburn.

The stages have been long, last 4 days have been 30 k plus, with the longest yesterday being 40 from Alvorge to Coimbra due to the albergue in Conimbriga being full ( hospitalero was very apologetic but could not allow me to use my mattress on the floor) and the one in Cernache is shut, leaving the option of sleeping out, which I considered, or pushing on to Coimbra.

On arrival spent some time looking around before finding the Hotel Larbelo where I am giving myself a rest day today.

There is lots of new signage and the way seems to have been re-routed away from main roads where possible onto farm and forest tracks. Very muddy but no traffic. Still some very dodgy road walking though.

 

[mspath]

Lindsay53,
Thans for your update. Will you be going to Fatima?

Route of the Carmelites is a new path to follow in Central Portugal between Coimbra and the Sanctuary of Fátima.

Carmelite Route • Center of Portugal

The Carmelite Route connects Coimbra to Fátima along a 100 km long trail at the heart of a peaceful and dazzling natural landscape.

www.centerofportugal.com

Carpe diem

 

[Lindsay53]

Lindsay53,
Thans for your update. Will you be going to Fatima?

Route of the Carmelites is a new path to follow in Central Portugal between Coimbra and the Sanctuary of Fátima.

Carmelite Route • Center of Portugal

The Carmelite Route connects Coimbra to Fátima along a 100 km long trail at the heart of a peaceful and dazzling natural landscape.

www.centerofportugal.com

Carpe diem

No, I wont be going to Fatima but I have seen a lot of new signs and information boards pointing out the new path. Local government seems to have used the covid down time to do a lot of work on the Camino.

 

[trecile]

This afternoon on the long slog from Azambuja to Santarem, in the middle of nowhere, I was thinking how great it would be to have somewhere to sit down for a few minutes. Not 2 minutes later I came across this:View attachment 121443

The Camino provides!️

I wonder if it will still be there next month when I walk through.

There is lots of new signage and the way seems to have been re-routed away from main roads where possible onto farm and forest tracks. Very muddy but no traffic. Still some very dodgy road walking though.

That's good to know

 

[flackaj]

You met Ron! We walked together for several days (including the dog). I'm in Coimbra myself (staying a couple of nights to sightsee and recharge/heal), heading out the morning of 11 April.

Bom Camhino!
Andy

 

[Lindsay53]

Camino update.....I am now in Tui. It has been an interesting journey so far. Very quiet prior to Porto but now the pilgrim numbers are building.
I have mentioned previously that I was a dedicated non-booker, however ideology and reality do not always match. I have been booking one day ahead since Porto. When even the donativos are taking bookings you know you are fighting a losing battle.
At the albergue in Porto the completo sign went up as soon as the door opened, and at least 6 were turned away while I was checking in. Having your own mattress makes no difference it seems.
It is Easter though, and things may ease next week.
Acommodation aside, it has been great! Even 4 days of almost continuous rain did not dampen my spirits too much.

 

[Lindsay53]

Arrived in Santiago this afternoon. Was a bit lost entering town from the south but recognised the small square and cafe where I had farewell drinks with people I met on the Frances three years ago and the cathederal square was just around the corner.

After checking in to my albergue I went to the Pilgrims office. The system works well and I waited about 5 minutes after I had completed the online form.

Off to Finisterre tomorrow!

 

[trecile]

At the albergue in Porto the completo sign went up as soon as the door opened, and at least 6 were turned away while I was checking in. Having your own mattress makes no difference it seems.

That's probably because of strict fire codes and insurance concerns which limit the number of people who are allowed to stay in the building.

 

[Lindsay53]

What a difference a day makes. Last night I was all set to head to Finisterre, but after the rain last night and a check of the weather report this morning I have decided to end my Camino in Santiago this time.
I may regret it later, but right now it seems the thing to do, and Finisterre will still be there next time.