Arrifana to Carrapateira

Today turned out to be the longest day of the walk, and we left beautiful Arrifana straight after a good breakfast.




the trail took us immidiately away from the coast and into the gorge valley. the climb out and into the eucalyptus forest was steep and rocky, and seemed to never end. even after the initial hill, the road through the forest kept climbing gradualy for two hours. at hour three we came to a small rest stop called Monte Novo, where i bought a fruit juice and met up with Bill and PAtty. This was another one of those decisions making times, the trail took us inland and around the back of farm lands and other small villages, or, we could head right towards the coast and follow it along the cliffs, which would bring us into the estuary below tonights stop, but on the beach.




We figured we would take the chance as the inland route looked like more of what we had walked through all day. Did i mention soft sand, son of a gun we got soft sand for miles, but the veiws were fantastic and we eventually made it down onto the beach. i took my boots off and just walked in the water, that was about as good as it gets. By the time we hit our night stop village, it was late lunch, so i pigged out on cutlets, egg and chips.
This little place has been hit hard by recession, there is not much here, and half of whats here is closed. We stocked up for tomorrow and walked around the village for an hour, even when things are not the best, they seem to make their homes cute and welcoming.





Had a great dinner, rinsed out my hiking gear, praying it will dry by morning, and off to an early night.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 26, 2021 at 9:17 AM

    Another brilliant day for you all. Getting close to the end now - enjoy every minute and every step, Brian & Tory

    ReplyDelete
  2. KazOctober 26, 2021 at 12:36 PM

    Wow! The time has gone so quickly. Looks like it was a fab day. So pleased there have been no more briar patches. Shame there was no a Parador there for you (I did look😂)
    Have a great walk tomorrow, those beers at the end I’m sure will taste good and will be well deserved. Buen Camino pilgrim 🥾🍺❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. LisaOctober 28, 2021 at 2:55 PM

    Gorgeous views! I had some trouble opening new posts - finally figured it out but I’m behind on reading the blog. Glad you got to stick your feet in the water & eat some yummies!. Hugs, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 29, 2021 at 9:43 AM

    This walk certainly sounds like it had been an adventure! I love the gorgeous shoreline photos. Are the villagers happy to see travelers?

    ReplyDelete

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