Our Walk Along the Camino Portuguese

Kindness on the Camino Portuguese Pilgrimage from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela This morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast of toast, jam, yogurt, and orange juice at the hostel with the group we've been walking with. We headed out down the cobblestone streets of the town through a beautiful morning. The path took us to the Portas do Sol, which is a beautiful park, offering a panoramic view over the Tejo River valley. We paused to enjoy the expansive view over an agricultural landscape swathed in morning mist. From there, the Way took us through the Porta de Santiago and then wound its way down a steep, tree-covered footpath below the walls of the fort. As we made our way back to the valley floor, the bird song seemed to cheer us on. After crossing a small marble bridge, we stopped to pet a friendly donkey and then continued on into the country. For most of the morning, we wove through fields and vineyards, alternating between paved roads and a dirt track. In p...

Spring Flowers and Nature on the Camino Camino Portuguese Pilgrimage We awoke this morning to the sound of birds singing in the fruit trees outside our open window. Outside, the sun was just beginning to burn the mist off the surrounding fields and vineyards. We headed downstairs for a bountiful breakfast of orange juice, toast and homemade marmalade, and soft-boiled eggs. The conversation was lively, and the generosity of Paula was incredible to the end. Toward Santarem Portugal Around 8 AM we said goodbye at the gate, and headed out down the dirt track towards Santarem. The morning passed very pleasantly as we walked down country lanes, serenaded by the loud and varied songs of birds in the hedgerows. We were surprised to find a small flock of egrets in among the vines, presumably feasting on the plentiful and large snails that were still out after yesterday's rain. Just as we reached the end of the dirt track, where our path turned towards Santarem on a paved r...