An Adventurers Tale: Viana do Castelo to Praia de Acorna

Another 20.4km of the Camino behind us. We left Castelo at 9am and were dismayed that there was no lidl or aldi close at hand. We would have to try and pick up supplies en-route. Although we pass through many different villages there is very little in the way of shops or cafe. Sunday being the most difficult day to travel as nearly everywhere is closed. I remember when growing up that nearly everywhere was closed on a Sunday. We take it for granted now that in the UK everything is available almost 24/7.

The villages are small but quaint and a few savvy business owners open purely to get the trade of the passing pilgrims. These are usually just off the Caminho and become impromptu gathering spots for footweary travellers to stop and exchange stories. I mentioned before that the Camino seems to bond people from all different nationalities and ages into a kind of group. All on the same path and all with the same objective. It's a lovely thing.

Today's route has once again taken us inland and has included some forest hikes into the hills. Eucalyptus forests. Beautiful small churches and shady river valleys. There is an option to keep closer to the sea but it is mostly beach and boardwalk. Although harder we definitely prefer the inland sections. The sea is never out of sight and remains our constant companion.

We are both footsore and have a blister each but are managing to put the miles behind us.

Our destination tonight was the sea side town of Praia de Acorna. A busy little town with a good selection of bars and cafe. It's busy as unbeknown to us it is a bank holiday weekend to celebrate Portugal day. As such these place is full and we are so glad we booked the lodgings early. There are rooms available still but they are few and far between. Plus the prices have tripled from what we paid. We are in a little hotel right on the seafront with a great cafe bar next door. Cheap as chips and excellent food.

This was the first time we stayed up and had a drink. 3 bottles of super bock for me and a couple of fruit ciders for Crispy. It was a real treat and we really enjoyed it. We were still in bed for 9.30. It's definitely not an 18 to thirty experience.

Tomorrow we need to move north to the border town of Caminha and try to get a ferry across the Mino river into Spain. Talking to people it seems the boats may not be running because of the bank holiday. There's not a lot of info on the Interweb about it. If the boats are not operating I'm not sure how we are going to progress onwards as the nearest road crossing is a long way up river. Maybe adding another 30km to the route. I guess we will discover our fate in the morning. I think Crispy would rather try to swim the crossing in preference to an additional 30km. Thinking about it i think i would to.