Sunday May 22 Esposende to Viana do Castelo

Sunday May 22 Esposende to Viana do Castelo
This was meant to be a nominal 14 or so mile day that I managed to turn into a 19 miler. I guess the sun got to me.
The path left the shoreline quite early into the day. It moved into the hills. Lovely, except that after huffing my way up about 500 feet and walking 3 miles or so; I missed a turn and came down a steep hill only to find myself back on the road finding markers in all the wrong directions, Back up the hill again. The church at the top did not seem as welcoming this time. On for a few miles on the trail following my old tracks. Always wondering, will I miss the marker again? Success.
And then another missed marker and I was back on the highway, but this time I was smarter and said I am going to walk on it and miss the last camber (sp) up the next hill.
I took lots of photos. The sunshine made everything photo noteworthy.
The bridge into Viana seemed endless. The city is a delight.
(I am too lazy to insert the photos into the text; they are just coming along as a trailer.)

The first morning shadow on this camino.

Oh my gosh, seeing this photo and knowing I past the spot twice has me hazardous a 20 mile minimum walk.

This hemlock arch was admirable.

This path is pretty no matter how often you walk it.

The Klutz needs a pat on the back for crossing this bridge with barely a tremor.

Much of this walk, and this camino, is on cobblestone. I like my trail running shoes for this, if you ever do the walk, wear whatever shoes work best for you on this terrain.

The first time I came to the church at Santiago de Castelo this picturesque family portrait was being taken. The 2nd time Magda and Dieter were picnicking and offered me some cheese and a cracker.

Once or twice around it is a lovely path.

With we'll designed markers that can be turned around and highlight with yellow paint to tell you to go the other way.

Thank goodness the rain last night was light. This did not turn into a cascading stream.

Finally a pit stop at a fun cafe where a mother was creaming her son at a game of pool.

My attempt to take a photo oh the endless bridge over Rio Lima may give you an idea of how long the day was.

Viana do Castelo is a charming and hospitable end of the day.