... Walking to my own beat...

Well the Italian woman was up and out the door sometime close to 0600 or 0630 hrs ... Eye covers and ear plugs makes it hard to tell.  I have always wondered why my left ear plug never stays in ... I slept on it.

And so I was up and out the door by 0800 hrs. 

In my shorts and shirt....

But the jacket came on pretty quick, as it was cool. 

Aw man... Not more water...

It was nothing serious and the sun eventually came out. 

By 0830 hrs I stopped at a cafe for breakfast... thinking I would not find one for a time.  

I had a double espresso, which is what you get when you ask for American style with no milk.  I was sad they did not have any tarts so I had two other sweets.  It was not the same. 

This is a good shot... Shows how thin I am getting!! Hah ha ha ha...... 

This new pack I bought is working well.  See how it is away from my back so I don't get all sweaty.  I have a little pack attached on its front (does not go with it- but I made it work) ... And I have socks and underwear hanging out to dry inside those mesh bags MEC gives you. 

... I am not drinking something... That's the phone/ camera!

Today I feel okay... But what is that rattle... I have not heard before. 

I moved the bathroom bag... The rattle is not coming from there.  Now I hear bells...

Okay that explains the bells... But the rattle....

Okay by 1000 hrs I solved the rattle. It was the unopened ibuprofen and/ the needle and thread in the film case.  Where will we get these cases now that everything is digital... I digress..

The items were moved.  Why had I never heard them before???

Come on they have a stamp!

For those who do not know... I have a credential which I get stamped where I stay and sometimes at lunch and dinner. It is my proof that I walk this long walk...they will inspect it for my certificate at the end.   

Look a donkey! 

I have only passed the 3 going to Fatima days ago, and Josef.  I never see others on the trail.   

I am okay with this.  I like walking alone... It is more peaceful- even with the barking dogs.  I walk slow and today I am stopping lots. Coat on, coat off, coat on... As in life, I have yet to meet someone who marches to my step. 

I don't understand this... But basically it says people have walked these steps for a heck of a long time.  I follow not only Dirk, Josef, the French couple, Laura ... but way back to the Romans. 

Pretty cool...

So there I was in the middle of nowhere on a real hike and look adverts for us pelegrinos..

Okay then the walk in the forest started looking a little more black... I think there had been a fire somewhere back in time. 

I also think these pics probably don't show it so well. 

Eventually I was out of the woods...

So then I was walking down a trail and I thought I was in Mt Currie ... 

Okay it was not a horse loose on the road... He was tied. 

We said our Bom Dias and I was off...

At 1130 hrs I stopped for a coffee and a tart. :)

Look the persimmon appear ripe!

Now what is this stuff ... Everyone who is anyone is growing it!!

I have been led to belive it is cabbage. .. I would learn better later.

This guy was stinking up the neighbourhood. 

Time for more animals...

Onward... 

Again in the middle of nowhere...

Then through an industrial area ... With a rest stop. 

What's this guys story.... Look up..

Who needs a guard dog when you can have a cat....

I stopped for lunch somewhere outside of Valenca. Had a hot chicken sandwich, espresso and two tarts... Because he suggested it and because I was leaving Portugal soon. 

Across the bridge to Spain. 

Hola Espana... Tui ..

That fella has no pack.  I would probably feel good with no pack.  But the leg is hurting again and I limp like an old woman...

I hobble on the cobble... Well bigger stones... Up into the old city. 

By the big cathedral.  I have decided not to stay in the albergue tonight. 

I almost stayed in the Parador ... You know five star credit card. I went in and if I was discovered in a minute I would have stayed... But I talked myself out if it and wandered on to find Cafe Scala. 

I asked directions and a Portuguese woman with a little baby walked me almost there to the door. 

This is low rate... 15 Eur. Private room so I do not have to worry about my stuff ... But it's really budget.  Went for a walk and tried a bank machine. Hmmm ... What is my password again.  I will go to the bank in the morning.  

I sit downstairs (wifi) where I just had the pilgrim special. Wait for it .... Beef and chips with a fried egg. And I did get soup.  Wine or coffee.  I decided for wine and they brought me the bottle. Dessert included. 

I only drank half the bottle. I need to lie down and put my feet up.  Tomorrow is another day. 

Rubias- Tui 19.3 km