walking / portugal / portugal9

Portugal-9

Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo - 21th March 2023 

An inland route or a longer one by the sea was the choice this morning and I came up the hill into the town still not knowing which to take. I had seen many walkers take the inland route yesterday – the Fisherman’s Trail joins on to the older Rota Vicentina for that bit – while I was having a lovely lunch in the square. And, since I’m still hating having anyone in my view, the road to right and the sea it was.

A note on the usuals. They are long gone. Haven’t seen them around since Odeceixe. I suspect they were only doing the original route from Sao Torpes to Odeceixe, which would explain all the smug looks around the restaurants in the square that night. In fact, I saw only three good people during the day of hell, one good couple yesterday, and I didn’t see anyone today until I was in the Vila do Bispo – wonderful.

I say good but I was having a rest and Yout music started drifting up the cliff getting louder and more intrusive by the minute. Up pops this French couple and she is holding her phone with the noise blasting out of it – not even ear-poding it. Christ! I did the grumpy old man thing of covering my ears as they approached. He got the hint and as he walked away, shouted back, ‘The music of nature is better – non.’ Very much better, Jacques! Get Camille in hand!

Got a bit more cooked today. Not renewing my sun block as often as I should. Lunch in what would be classed as a greasy spoon café at home but, even there, the grilled whole Sea Bass would be fine enough to grace the best we have. Had more prawns which are here called shrimp, cos. a prawn is a big fucker.

Feets are very sore. Hoping a good night’s sleep will help. If only I didn’t have to get up three times and walk on them to the lav.

walking / portugal / portugal9